Comet Open at Winsford Flash Sailing Club
by Fiona Niddrie 25 May 2016 14:42 BST
21 May 2016
Winsford Flash Comet Open © WFSC
Seventeen boats sailed at Winsford Flash Comet Open meeting on 21 May of which eight were visitors. Standard rigging was used with the exception of two visitors that used the Xtra rig.
Race 1 - The wind was blowing moderately in a southerly direction. The race commenced with an enthusiastic start with two boats over the line resulting in our defending champion, Jonathan Latham retiring from the race. Our ancient mariner, Brian Herring capsized around mark 8 just in front of me where there was little wind. During the course of the race the wind dropped and there was fierce competition between Izac Dodds and Eddie Pope jostling for 1st position and they pulled away from the main fleet. Eddie won the race. Steve Bellamy from Winsford taking 4th position.
After a much deserved lunch break it was unanimously agreed that we should sail the remaining two races back to back. Something to do with football I think, it was not a ladies decision!
Race 2 - Weather conditions changed prior to the 2nd race, a very light wind blowing in all directions! This sudden wind shift resulted in us sailing on a reach on the first leg of the course and bunching up at the first mark. However, Bob Dodds was the 1st boat to round the mark and he built up a commanding lead and won the race. Jonathan Latham followed in 2nd place and tried to catch up but ran out of time!
Race 3 - The wind was slightly stronger but was more consistent by blowing in a southerly direction. There was a battle at the front between Jonathan Latham, Eddie Pope, Steve Bellamy and Bob Dodds. Bob tacked into Steve's water and had to take a penalty. Jonathan Latham was the 1st boat to round the windward mark. In the final stages of the race it was a very close between Eddie and Jonathan with Eddie winning the race and giving him overall Victory. Jonathan and Steve taking 2nd and 3rd position respectively in the race.
I personally came 10th in the first race but after lunch it was all down hill and my most embarrassing moment was colliding with the committee boat on the finishing line, 3rd race! No damage to either boats so no loss of pocket money!
After the prize giving Eddie Pope congratulated our Club for organizing an excellent event.
Overall Results: (top ten)
1st Eddie Pope (Ogston S.C.)
2nd Bob Dodds (C.M.Y.C.)
3rd Jonathan Latham (W.F.S.C.)
4th Izac Dodds (C.M.Y.C.)
5th Steve Bellamy (W.F.S.C.)
6th Andy Dale (Eyott S.C.)
7th Catherine Bellamy (N.BC.S.C.)
8th John Coppenhall (Hunts S.C.)
9th Brian Herring (W.F.S.C.)
10th Roy Symmers (W.F.S.C.)