The Fortress Group Dragon Force 65 April Championship
by Beverley Johns 15 Apr 2015 18:24 BST
14 April 2015
The evening of Tuesday 14th April arrived with sunshine and light winds, but this did not deter twenty-six competitors from competing for the championship. Mike Urwin from the RORC rating office, whose office overlooks Lymington Sea Water Baths, was on hand to expertly set a windward leeward course.
Due to the number of competitors each Tuesday evening its necessary to run a heat system which was managed superbly by Sue Russell, Meriel McCarthy and Jan Martin. Racing commenced promptly at 1830hrs with competition fierce and no quarter given.
In the light and fluky conditions Ado Jardine showed some rather insightful tactics often making good gains. As the fleet has grown to fifty boats locally so has the skill level and the need to keep it clean on the race track.
Four races were completed in heats and consistency was yet again key and its evident that you simply can't drop heats as with only four being promoted each round the lower heats have become the heats of death. Staying in Heat A is paramount and the top nine skippers all managed A fleet results.
After four races were completed most competitors retired to the LTSC bar for drinks and food. Whilst some socialised junior competitor Liam Willis beavered away and produced the results in record time. James Dodd pipped Liam Willis by 2pts to be top youth. Beverley Johns beat stiff competition from Catherine Maguire to be the top lady.
Overall Paul Davis pipped Keith Willis to third place on count back. Jonathan Johns counting a 3,3,2 secured a strong second. However Jim (Junior) Hood counting a 4,1,2 secured the win by 1pt, more notable as he competed with a standard DF65 with no upgrades or racing sails.
All skippers present at the prizegiving had their sail numbers put into a draw for a new set of racing sails, the winner (being drawn by Katie Barton) was Frank Hardman. They say you are only as good as your last race, which was won by Richard Russell, however for now we doff our caps to Jim (Junior) Hood who claims championship status for a month.