Tynemouth Sailing Club Winter Open

Tynemouth SC Winter Open © Alex Sharp

Tynemouth SC Winter Open © Alex Sharp

Tynemouth Sailing Club hosted their annual winter open meeting on Sunday October 25th on the tidal river Tyne at Newburn, west of Newcastle. A 1.30pm high tide created differing tidal flow in each of the three races. The first race was sailed on the flood, the second as the tide turned, and the third on the ebb. Tidal flow became a deciding factor due to the absence of the forecast strong winds; all three races being contested over a short course in a light South westerly breeze.

The National Twelves raced for the Tate Winter Trophy. Philip David and Caroline Clarke from Yorkshire Ouse once again displayed their river sailing skills by climbing through to the lead in all three races despite the efforts of Ed and Tom Storey, Mark and Anna Simpson and Patrick Hamilton, all of whom led Philip during the first part of the three races.

A similar display of light weather skill was displayed by David and Jackie Gebhard in the Enterprise Fleet. Their son Joshua threatened their lead in the 2nd and 3rd races but family hierarchy survived to the finish in both. A tie for third overall between Nathan Bachelor and Alan Baker was settled in Alan's favour on countback. It would appear that 'experience' surpassed 'age advantage' in both contests.

The racing in the Laser Fleet was close in all three races. Alex Sharp took the first race and Tom Steavenson the second. Both were caught out in the final race as the breeze faded; Alex allowing his Dad, Gavin, to steal the win. This left a tie for 1st overall split in Tom's favour on Countback.

Cliff English enjoyed his first encounter with a 'river' course in his Solo by holding off the challenge of the Fay brothers, Simon and Gareth, in their Miracle.

Tynemouth Sailing Club will be returning to their 'river' course next spring for their annual long distance race for the 'Blaydon Races Trophy'.

Overall Results: