Contender TT open meeting at Oxford Sailing Club

Perfect contender conditions returned to Oxford for the 3rd round of the 2015 travellers. 23 Contenders travelled from all directions from all over the UK, and John Mclean adding the international feel from Australia, were meet by glorious sunshine and a great forecast.

Race 1 started in what would be the strongest winds of the day letting everyone settle in. Simon showing his usual phenomenal upwind speed. A well set triangle sausage course giving plenty of opportunity to make ground. The RO was obviously enjoying the show sending the fleet around and around and around, 6 laps I think? Simon eventually getting the win from Stuart Jones.

Race 2. Wind easing a bit and starting to swing. Big shift in the starting sequence causing boats in the 2nd row to suddenly not get across the line on starboard in the dirty air. Now getting nasty little pockets and shifts causing the positions to start changing. Stuart as usual finding himself the right side of the shift with a consistent Nick grace getting the second place from Simon.

Race 3 was more of the same, the fleet getting more competitive with Tom pushing the line so far he got the RO to pull out the individual recall flag so he could have an early shower. Chris Howe, Rob smith, Peter Dives and Neil Ferguson playing the shifts popping out in front for a little private race. This went on with Stuart and Nick chasing them down. Eventually showing enormous skill (AND an amazing amount of luck) Nick rolling his contender on its gunwales and pumping with skill, slide towards the shorten course flag slipping past into 3rd place from Chris and Peter.

The fleet retired to take on more ballast for the gales forecast for the Sunday. The morning started stronger than expected with more due. The kids in the mirror training fleet showing the youthful contempt to what was going to be a tiring day.

Race 4. The RO was keen to get the fleet away, with many of the fleet struggling getting their rudders on, setting off into the spray. Neil only just launching as the fleet set off. Simon's rudder had come off completely. Carl Tagoe won from Stuart, showing again that it doesn't matter how old your boat is, as long as it is well sailed. Keeping the mast to the sky was definitely the fastest and hardest thing with nasty little gusts and even worse little holes. The RO must have been feeling sorry for us as there were only 4 laps this morning.

Race 5. Neil was now starting to find his groove, after being out of the boat for a while, taking the shifts and getting round the top mark first. Managing to keep Simon and Stuart off for the first broad reach, but playing safe and allowing them through on the tighter reach back to the bottom of the course. A nasty gust caught Simon just after dipping the tower, giving him a quick swim, allowing Stuart and Neil back through. Back up the beat Neil taking the middle route overtook Stuart again only to loose it down the run as the wind built. The RO now seeing more spray than sails, shortened after 2 laps and sent the fleet ashore.

A great event well organised in testing conditions. Big thank you to the race team, rescue boats, and Galley for all their efforts. See you again for the Oxford Blue. Stuart Jones winning the event with usual consistency from a very fast Nick Grace and Carl Tagoe in his 25 year old boat.

Overall Results: