Mirror Open at Dee Sailing Club

Mirrors rigging at Dee Sailing Club © Jon Hayley

Fifteen boats took part in the 3 race event on Saturday 14th June with 5 travellers coming to the Dee Estuary on Wirral – 1 family from as far as Scotland.

Saturday had been forecast for some sunshine with a light NW breeze. The race briefing was held under some ominous grey clouds but during the course of the day they gave way to dazzling sunshine that showed Dee SC and the views over the estuary to North Wales at their best.

In race one light winds and a strong incoming tide had an impact on the slower boats making progress at the start. In a shortened race first place was taken by Beaver SC's single hander Matt Grayson who made best use of the fickle wind.

The wind was starting to freshen in Race Two race and a very close race involving the 6 Bermuda rigged boats ended up with a surprise victor. Dee's James and Alison Douglas took their chance and got 1st place in gaff rigged Pomperdo nipping through on the line.

Before race 3 the wind strengthened significantly and the tide had now turned. Following a general recall caused by the tide sweeping boats over the line and an individual recall. The fleet enjoyed some real open sea sailing conditions and after a a race of nip and tuck Beaver SC's Sarah Richards and Sandy Simpson took 1st place to secure the overall event win. Matt Grayson came 2nd for the event ahead of son Ed.

On Sunday 10 Mirrors competed in an informal long distance race that several travellers joined to make a weekend of it. While the wind had dropped to a very light breeze the bright sunshine helped to compensate and once again Sarah Richards and Sandy Simpson came away with first place.

Overall a great weekend of competitive racing was enjoyed by the whole fleet with 2 fantastic post race barbecues in glorious sunshine!

Overall Results: