GJW Direct Lark Belle Isle at Royal Harwich Yacht Club
by Matt Stearn 5 Jul 2014 23:13 BST
28-29 June 2014
A fleet of 7 boats turned up to race on the river Orwell on 28th / 29th June with some new names joining the fleet. Race officer Graham Ireland had prepared his usual unique series of courses to keep competitors on their toes.
Race 1 started in a force to 3, Nigel Hufton and Will Kennedy lead from the start but fell foul of Graham Ireland's course and led the fleet around the wrong leeward mark. however all was not lost and Hufton / Kennedy retained their lead when the right mark was found, followed by Matt Stearn / Kerry Robson and Tom Branton / Faye Gosling. The breeze quickly dropped off but Hufton held the lead to take a win.
Race 2 started in a fading wind which shifted through 180° on the first lap and the race became a drifting match. Hufton / Kennedy led the race until Stearn / Robson found a lucky zephyr on the last downwind leg to take the lead which they held to the finish with Stearn / Robson second and Nigel Scott / Harri Condie in third.
Race 3 was postponed until Sunday morning which dawned with a much fresher breeze and clear skies. The race started in a force 3 - 4 with a windwood /Leeward course with gates in the middle and bottom which made an interesting change. Hufton / Kennedy led for most of the race with Stearn / Robson, Branton / Gosling and Scott / Condie having a close battle behind. Stearn / Robson eventually took the lead to finish first.
Race 4 was sailed in a building breeze with close racing throughout, Hufton / Kennedy took a swim on the gybe mark giving the lead to Stearn / Robson which they held until the finish. Hufton / Kennedy, Branton / Gosling and Scott / Condie all finished within seconds of each other with places changing until the end with Hufton / Kennedy coming out on top to take second.
Race 5 was a simple triangle course, Stearn / Robson took the win with Hufton / Kennedy closely behind and Steve Chatten / Fiona Grey in 3rd.
Overall Results:
1st 2444 Matt Stearn & Kerry Robson (Waldringfield)
2nd 2470 Nigel Hufton & Will Kennedy (Frensham)
3rd 2298 Tom Branton & Faye Gosling (Waldringfield)
4th 2472 Nigel Scott & Harri Condie (Cotswold)
5th 2502 Steve Chatten & Izzy Everett / Fiona Grey (NSC)
6th 2459 Nigel Denchfield & Fiona Denchfield (Stewartby)
7th 2331 Alastair McHardy & Kay Maddox (Waldringfield)