Supernova Open at Cotswold Sailing Club

Supernovas at Cotswold © Cliff Milliner

Twenty-three brave sailors ignored the forecast for an epic days sailing. Two races were sailed back to back in the morning and one after lunch to try to avoid the worst of the wind and RO Dave Bevan set good courses with nice beats and fast deep reaches.

Race one was led by two new comers Ray Workman and Tim Hand, both buying their boats that week. Gavin Young pulled into a nice lead as the wind gusted up to 30knts. Young held on to the finish, with Milliner taking advantage of Hand missing the toe straps to take second, with Hand 3rd, followed by Gibson then Earnsure.

Race 2 saw the wind drop slightly for the start, then just continue to build thought out the race. Hand again led the first lap, then Young and Milliner battled for the lead. Milliner, took 1st after Young, 2nd capsized to windward on the beat and battled with Hand who took 3rd.

After a fantastic lunch only a handful of sailors ventured out into a wind that built to a steady 35knts! A new course meant a large cheering spectator group gathering on the spit as the sailors were funnelled through the gap on a deep wild reach. It was survival mode all the way round with Milliner take 1st from Young, Hind and Chris Hawley. With the other 4 entrants and one swamped safety boat ending up on the lee shore. There were lots of breakages and abandoned boats everywhere, so a big thanks to all the safety boat helpers who had a very busy day.

Overall Results: