Streaker and Solo Open at Yeadon Sailing Club

by Howard Chadwick 13 Oct 2015 14:23 BST 10 October 2015

With a strong turnout of Streakers but sadly only three Solos, competitors were greeted with almost no wind at Yeadon however as the fleet rigged the wind slowly started to pick up from the North East to give a light and changeable breeze.

Race 1 saw Ian Lees from Scammonden in Streaker 1826 take an early lead for the part lap however it was Steve Blackburn of West Lancs who then pulled through from second place to take the lead a position he maintained to the end. Ian Priest of Scaling Dam sailed a solid and consistent third place having moved up to third at the part lap in Streaker 1852 whilst Chris Wright of Ripon Sailing club did the opposite in Streaker 1754 a theme that continued for most of the day. In the Solo fleet it was Tony Langley of Yeadon in Solo 4163 taking the early lead but chased hard by Tony Dallimore of Ripon who took the lead on lap 2 in Solo 5367. New to the fleet Bob Dootson also of Yeadon sailed a solid race in third, positions they then held to the end despite some close racing between the two Tony's.

In Race 2 the breeze had increased slightly although still with some very quiet moments in places however the competitors proved very consistent with Steve Blackburn leading the Streaker fleet throughout the race chased hard by Ian Lees then Chris Wright. In the Solo fleet Tony Dallimore again lead the charge with Tony and Bob in hot pursuit. Towards the end of the race the breeze has increased further and settled slightly to give much improved sailing for all.

Race 3 was started promptly to make the most of the breeze which in fact remained throughout the race to give some excellent racing. In the Streaker Peter Kitchen of Tees and Hartlepool clearly liked the increased breeze and led for the first two laps before dropping to third place but then pulling back to finish in second place it was however Steve Blackburn who once again pulled through to take the win with Ian Lees in third place. In the Solo fleet Tony Langley pushed Tony Dallimore hard occasionally taking the lead but in the end it was Tony Dallimore who took his third win of the day and the event.

Steve Blackburn, having won the event with three winsm thanked Yeadon Sailing Club, in particular the race and catering team etc. for a very enjoyable event. Prior to the prize giving a very special award was presented to local Streaker sailor David Hinks to celebrate his 80th birthday in the coming week.

Overall Results:

Pos	Sail No	Helm	Club	Pts
Streaker
1st	1881	Steve Blackburn	West Lancashire Yacht Club	2
2nd	1826	Ian Lees	Scammenden Sailing Club	4
3rd	1852	Ian Priest	Scaling Dam Sailing Club	7
4th	1754	Chris Wright	Ripon Sailing Club	7
5th	1616	Peter Kitchen	Tees and Hartlepool Yacht Club	8
6th	1779	Sal Ratcliffe	Scammonden Sailing Club	9
Solo Fleet
1st	5367	Tony Dallimore	Ripon Sailing Club	2
2nd	4163	Tony Langley	Yeadon Sailing Club	4
3rd	3470	Bob Dootson	Yeadon Sailing Club	6