Streaker Northern Paddle Series at West Riding Sailing Club

20 visiting Streakers joined the home fleet at West Riding Sailing Club for the last leg of the Streaker Northern Paddle Series, on Saturday 18th October. In unseasonably high temperatures, the OOD Alan Beecham welcomed the fleet with a forecast of winds ranging from 18 to 25 knots.

With a Southerly wind the shore spectators were treated to ringside seats, as the start of the first race got under way close to the lee shore. With only an individual recall, the rest of the fleet got away cleanly and it became apparent that Alan Gillard would be setting the pace for the day. Five minutes into the race and Gillard had a very comfortable lead. It was left to the Robin Jones, Ben Ratcliffe and Jon Aldhous to fight their way out of the rest of the fleet to gain 2nd, 3rd and 4th places respectively.

Race 2 saw a slight course alteration with two perfect beats and several decent length reaches across the lake. Whilst the forecast gusts hadn't appeared, there was a sufficient breeze to make the course exciting for both competitors and spectators. After a clean getaway, places changed rapidly up the first beat, Gillard managing to extract himself from fifth place to round the windward mark first. A bunch of Streakers raced each other hard down the next run, visibly slowing each other down as Gillard pulled away. As boats started to plane off wind, it was the lighter James Wilson that came through to second with Ratcliffe a close third. Further down the fleet it was nip and tuck with Ian Bradley securing fourth and Jones fifth place.

Race 3 followed immediately and it was Sally Ratcliffe who was called back as the rest of the fleet got away. With Gillard sitting this race out the lead was open. A battle ensued between Jones, Blackburn, Ratcliffe and Wilson with positions changing from leg to leg, gust to gust. As boats planned across the lake spectators watched, cheering as they passed the clubhouse. It became evident as Jones finished first that he had the bulk of shore support. He was followed closely by Blackburn then Ratcliffe. Despite three third places B. Ratcliffe could only manage 4th overall with J. Wilson 3rd and R. Jones 2nd. Alan Gillard with two first places took the honours as well as winning the Northern Paddle Series.

Overall Results: