Flying Fifteen Open at Middle Nene Sailing Club
by John Harvey 9 Oct 2014 10:16 BST
4-5 October 2014
This was the last of the Southern Travellers' 2014 Series. The Series winner was still to be decided between Middle Nene SC's Neil Bartholomey & Emma Brown (2700) and Broxbourne's Bob Tait & Mick Musgrove (2606). Both had a 1st and a 2nd in earlier meetings. 11 boats took part, 6 from the home club and 5 visitors from Broxbourne, South Cerney and Ripon.
The weather for the first race was a light SW wind with rain. The course set included 2 beats and a long spinnaker run to the head of the lake. 2606 established an early lead and gained 1st place, followed by 2700, 3031 (Broxbourne's Brian Turner & Jackie Burns) and 617 (Ripon's Graham Lamond & John Washington).
After a short break, the boats were out again, the rain having stopped and the sun making a welcome appearance. The wind had reduced a little and was veering to SE as races 2 and 3 progressed. Boats spread widely searching for the best line in the beats and spinnaker flying became trickier as the wind swung either side of dead astern. A sudden brief squall added excitement.
In race 2, 617 was first across the finishing line, 2700 again taking 2nd place and 3rd place went to MNSC's Mark Greer & Jim Reid in 2433, 2606 having to settle for 4th.
Race 3 was won by 2700, followed by 2433, with 2606 in 3rd place and 2647 (MNSC's Mike & Matt Moore) in 4th.
Sunday morning failed to produce the forecast light breeze, with morning mist drifting at snails' pace across the lake. Further races were abandoned, with wind only starting to fill in as boats were being packed up for home.
The meeting's results were a win for Neil Bartholomey & Emma Brown 2700 with (2), 2, 1.
Close behind were Bob Tait Tait & Mick Musgrove 2606 with 1, (4), 3 and Graham Lamond & John Washington 617 with 4, 1, (8).
Middle Nene SC were thanked by all for a well organised meeting, great hospitality, a splendid meal and a convivial evening's entertainment in the bar – a thoroughly enjoyable weekend.
Overall Results: (top three)
1st 2700, Neil Bartholomey/Emma Brown, 3pts
2nd 2606, Bob Tait/Mick Husgrave, 4pts
3rd 617, Graham Lamond/John Washington, 5pts