Flying Fifteen Southern Travellers' Series at Broxbourne Sailing Club

A hot summer morning with a very light breeze greeted the ten competitors – including three visitors - as they rigged for the two days of racing in this second 2014 Southern Travellers Series event.

The fleet was a mixture of 4 Open, 1 Silver and 5 Classics all racing together in a five race series, with four to count over the weekend and the results calculated using the latest adjusted PY numbers.

By the time of the 12.00 briefing the wind was still very light, but the OOD was optimistic it would hold and set a course that used the full sailing area of the lake. From the start of the first race the "pecking order" was established with locals 3681 (Pip Hudson & Peter Nash) leading from 2606 (Bob Tait & Mick Musgrove) and in third visitor 2700 (Neil Bartholomey & Jim Read).

For the second race the OOD wisely altered the course to keep the fleet in the main area of the lake. Eventually, after a very slow race with huge holes in the fickle wind the leaders were locals 3681, 2606 and 3031 (Brian Turner & Jackie Burns).

After a spell ashore to enjoy a cup of tea the third race was started in a slightly stronger breeze, which unfortunately didn't last but the front runners were consistent with 2606 this time leading 3681 and in third another local boat 598 (Geoff & Hazel Town).

As the fleet came ashore to get ready for a relaxing evening meal there were many "hard luck" stories, which were soon forgotten as everyone enjoyed the superb hospitality, laid on by the many helpers in the home club galley.

Sunday dawned with a reasonable breeze and hopes were high that two good races would dim the frustration of the previous day. As was inevitably the case, whilst the fleet were rigging for the fourth race of the series the wind began to drop! However, after another race of shifts and holes at the finish there was a change of order with visitors 2700 (Neil Bartholomey & Emma Brown) leading from locals 3681 (Pip Hudson & Peter Nash) and 3423 (Mason & Harry King).

The wind by now was again very light and fickle so the fleet went ashore to take and early lunch and see what developed. Eventually, it was agreed by everyone that there was no sign of any miraculous improvement and the final race was abandoned!

The overall results after one discard confirmed the supremacy of the local sailors with Pip Hudson & Peter Nash in 3681 taking 1st place, with Bob Tait and Mick Musgrove in 2606 taking 2nd and the Classic Trophy, followed in 3rd place by the Neil Bartholomey and Emma Brown from Middle Nene.

After the prize giving everyone thanked the OOD for attempting to set fair courses in very difficult conditions; and there was a universal praise for the Galley and home club members who worked very hard to make the weekend so enjoyable despite the complete lack of co-operation from the wind!

Please note that the third race in the 2014 STS is scheduled for 30/31 August at South Cerney. All categories of F15 are welcome, and we are negotiating a return to normal service from the wind!