Leader Open Meeting at Milton Keynes Sailing Club

12-13 October 2002

5 visitors joined the four local teams to compete in the last Leader open event of the summer, which took place in blustery conditions at Milton Keynes SC.

Race 1 saw Chris and Jane Wharmby lead the fleet for the first half of the race, with Parker and Pye always within a couple of boat lengths. Spinnaker problems led to an early bath for the Wharmbys and allowed the Hickling Broad team to take 1st place some way ahead of Mike and Tom Sherwen and Mike Fitzgerald and Tim Dormer who fought a close battle for 2nd place. Jon Armitage and Dave Boyle held 4th place for some time, but headed for the wrong finish line and allowed Wharmby back through, closely followed by Bob Rhodes and Helen Dickenson and Jason Jackson.

The Wharmbys and the Sherwens led the fleet in Race 2, but the Sherwens made the most of a messy tack from the Wharmbys and established a lead that was not to be broken.

Race 3 took place after bacon butties on a wet Sunday morning. Wharmby established an early lead and finished first, ahead of the Sherwens in 2nd place. John Parker and Jane Pye fought a very close race with local team Tom and Richard Oliver, with the Olivers crossing the finish line marginally ahead to take 3rd place.

The final result was still undecided as the boats vied for position on the final start line. Wharmby led the fleet initially but Parker used the 2nd beat to good advantage and moved into first position, which he retained to the end of the race, taking line honours and 1st place for the event.

John Parker won the Rose Bowl as Overall Winner for the 2002 open series.

Thanks to all at Milton Keynes SC for a very enjoyable event.

Overall Results: