Supernova Open at Combs Sailing Club

Supernovas at Combs © John Saunders

Supernovas at Combs © John Saunders

Supernovas at Combs © John Saunders

"Earth hath not anything to show more fair", Wordsworth wrote this while contemplating the view from Westminster Bridge but in 1802 he had not observed Combs Sailing Club on a sunny Saturday when the Super Novi came to play! The sun sparkled on the bouncing waves and the majestic hills formed a vivid green back drop to the lake as the smell of bacon drifted aromatically across the boat park.

Ten visitors joined ten club boats for a great days sailing at this picturesque club where aesthetic and culinary pleasures did nothing to dilute the fierce and competitive racing.

A committee boat start in a far corner near the dam gave an excellent long first beat but a slight and sudden bias to the line made for a messy start. Never the less Tim Hand (Sutton in Ashford) was cleanly away chased by Stuart Reid (Combs). These placings never changed with Tim looking imperious under the conditions. The wind was glorious but there were sudden shifts which took a few sailors by surprise resulting in a frequent splashing's! Conditions were trickier at the top end of the lake where tree cover further confuses the wind. All this was made up for by some glorious fast reaches on the way back down. At the bell it was Tim with a good lead from Stuart who was comfortably ahead of Steven Bishop (Welbeck) who in turn had been jousting with Paul Undrell (Milton Keynes).

The fleet now broke for lunch and as the sun streamed into the clubhouse. Officer Rick Whitehouse decided to retain the same course for the second race and this received general agreement.

The start of race two was a cleaner affair but once again Tim Hand led away followed by Stuart Reid however on this occasion Steven Bishop caught and passed Stuart Reid giving Tim in first, Steven in second and Stuart third at the bell. Paul Undrell was again fourth with Peter Quayle from Combs in fifth. Due to some confusion regarding the position of the finish line 5 boats failed to complete the course and recorded DNF.

At the start of race three the line was rather undisciplined and three impetuous sailors were over and recalled. One of them was Stuart Reid and in his fight to return and re start he lost a considerable number of places. Tim Hand was not first away this time but he quickly regained his accustomed place at the front followed by Steven Bishop and Paul Undrell. Stuart made his way from almost last into seventh place. Again two boats failed to complete the course.

So, after three races it was Tim Hand from Steven Bishop and Stuart Reid. It had been a good days racing in glorious weather with many battles being conducted throughout the fleet. Perhaps this was a reward for the last two years when first the Combs Supernova Open was spoiled by lack of wind and last year when it was cancelled with too much! This race was sailed under great conditions and enjoyed by all.

Overall Results: