Optimist Open at Staunton Harold Sailing Club

Twenty-one Optimist sailors arrived at Staunton Harold Sailing Club in south Derbyshire to find light ripples on the water and a prompt and efficient start by the race officer.

The original plan had been for two back-to-back races in the morning and then two more after lunch, but with the light wind forecast to drop, sailors were told to prepare for three back-to-back races, possibly four, to make the most of the breeze while it lasted.

Race one started on time and race officer Terry Forbes kept the fleet out on the water to fit in three more good races despite the challenging wet-but-not-windy conditions.

The main fleet saw some close tussles at the marks with each race having a different winner. The light airs just about held out for the full schedule, with regatta fleet sailors given the option of coming in after three races, although some chose to stay out.

The race team commented on the level of competitiveness there was at the front of the fleet, citing good boat handling and tactical awareness.

After four races, with one discard allowed, just one point separated the top three sailors.

Banbury SC's George Eames Matthews was first overall counting a 2,2,1 scoreline and five points overall, with home sailor Chloe Felton in second and Leigh & Lowton's Harvey Leigh in third, both on six points.

The regatta fleet racing was also tight. Draycote Water's Derin Can Soyer and Hollowell's Hazel McDonnell battled all day to finish in first and second overall, both on four points and also having to be separated on countback, with Banbury SC's Kieran Bray in third overall.

All Optimist sailors in the region are now invited to the Midland Area Optimist Championship at Hollowell Sailing Club in Northamptonshire, on July 4-5. For further details visit www.hollowellsc.org.uk

Main Fleet Results:

Regatta Fleet Results: