Albacore European Championship at Tynemouth Sailing Club
by Judy Armstrong 11 Aug 2016 11:21 BST
16-17 July 2016
The 2016 European championships were at Tynemouth Sailing Club in beautiful sunshine and a good breeze.
After launching the first to head out around the breakwater were Matthew and Heather Thompson only to get out and decide that the brisk force 5-6 and rising was just too much for them. Matthew Metcalf Smith with Dad up front were next to decide to return to shore.
With 3 races scheduled Race 1 got away with Crawford Reid and Graeme leading at the windward mark closely followed by Nev Herbert and Mark Fowler then Judy and Paul Armstrong, Steve Bailey and Lewis Brailsford. After some very fast and furious reaches Nev and Mark and Judy and Paul pulled clear of the fleet. Race 1 going to Nev and Mark closely followed by Judy and Paul, Mike Banner and Peter Snowdon 3rd and Crawford and Graeme Reid 4th.
Race 2, with an increasing breeze we lost Phil Smith and Tom Williams who decided with new sails on they didn't want to risk it any longer, so headed in. Only 4 boats remained out for Race 2, Nev and Mark again took the bullet from Judy and Paul, then Crawford and Graeme Reid followed by Mike and Peter who had capsized whilst taking avoiding action when a fishing boat stopped dead in front on the run.
The Race Officer decided to bin the final race of the day as conditions had got fairly extreme so it was in and showered for a well-earned beer and an excellent curry supplied by the hosts.
The club put on evening entertainment of a table football tournament, as we were sharing the event with Enterprises and a Handicap fleet there were plenty of takers to make it a lot of fun. Phil Smith and Judy Armstrong teamed up and made it all the way to the final (proving England can play football!) only to be beaten by local Enterprise sailor Josh Gebhard and Louise Ramsden.
Day 2, More lovely sunshine and not quite as much wind to start with, champagne sailing conditions.
Race 3 saw Matthew Thompson round the windward mark first followed by Matthew Metcalfe Smith, Nev, then Judy and Mike very close. After some fast reaches Nev, Matthew Thompson and Judy pulled clear. Judy got a good shift on the 2nd beat to take the lead and pull clear of Matthew and Nev which was held till the finish.
Race 4 saw Phil Smith and Tom Williams round first which theye held for a lap. Nev and Judy pulled clear and had a tussle to the finish where Nev infringed Judy on the finish line leading to him retiring given Judy her 2nd bullet.
Race 5 was the windiest of the day increasing to a good force 5+. The championship was all on the last race. Nev cleared the fleet with a great start on port tack to take a comfortable lead. Crawford and Graeme did a spectacular capsize on the fast reach with both helm and crew both exiting backwards !!. Judy and Mike had a close race to finish 2nd and 3rd, but with their 3rd bullet the Europeans went to Nev and Mark.
Everybody commented on how much they had enjoyed the event and what a great place to sail Tynemouth is.
Mark Fowler did the winners speech and thanked Tynemouth for their hospitality and great racing.
It was a fabulous warm up for the Nationals which are this weekend (12/13/14th August) at Llandudno SC, hope to see you all there.
Overall Results:
Pos | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | Pts |
1st | 6922 | Nev Herbert | Mark Folwer | Tewkesbury SC / Lymington | 1 | 1 | 3 | (RET) | 1 | 6 |
2nd | 8228 | Judy Armstrong | Paul Armstrong | Scaling Dam SC | ‑3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
3rd | 8233 | Mike Banner | Peter Snowdon | Leigh & Lowton SC | 2 | 4 | ‑5 | 2 | 3 | 11 |
4th | 8152 | Philip Smith | Tom Smith | RYA | 5 | (DNS) | 4 | 3 | 4 | 16 |
5th | 6703 | Crawford Reid | Greame Reid | Strathclyde Loch SC | 4 | 3 | 6 | ‑7 | 5 | 18 |
6th | 8155 | Matthew Thompson | Heather Thompson | Tewkesbury SC | (DNS) | DNS | 2 | 4 | DNS | 24 |
7th | 6504 | Steve Bailey | Lousie Brailsford | Nottingham SC | 6 | (DNS) | 7 | 5 | 6 | 24 |
8th | 8158 | Matthew Metcalfe‑Smirh | Paul Metcalfe‑Smith | Carsington SC | (DNS) | DNS | 8 | 6 | DNS | 32 |