Streaker Southern Area Championship at Tamworth Sailing Club

Light winds for the Steaker Southerns at Tamworth © Elizabeth Simmons

Fifteen Streakers from as far afield as Lancing on the South Coast and Wilton, near Hull in East Yorkshire, met at Tamworth SC for the Southern Area Championship. Lack of breeze delayed the start of the first race eventually held in bright sunshine and a gentle force 1-2.

David Smith from Welton SC was leading by the first windward mark followed by John Burgoine from the home club and Brian Miatt from Ripon SC. These three pulled out a commanding lead but despite gallant challenges this order remained to the wire. The real battles were lower down the fleet. To add to the lack of breeze there were some 30 Toppers, holding their open meeting, to negotiate in the lake on the criss/crossing course.

Race two, after lunch, saw no more breeze but it was the same pair, David Smith and John Burgoine who set up the lead. This time they were chased by Mark Brock, from Tamworth, and although challenged by Mark, John held on to his second position. Meanwhile Alan Simmons from Lancing SC and Ian Whitfield from Tamworth jousted for fourth and fifth spots.

David Smith elected not to sail in race three, having already won the trophy, so it was left for John Burgoine to try for a top spot to add to his two second places. True to form, by the end of lap one, John was in front this time hotly pursued by Alan Simmons with Mark Brock and Ian Whittfield closing in. Mark had soon passed Alan and closely challenged John but just failed to pass him. At the line Ian slipped through Alan by less than a boat length.

Overall Results: