Supernova Open at Blithfield Sailing Club
by Roger Woodhead 6 Jun 2010 10:08 BST
5 June 2010
A forecast of warm temperatures, but little wind did not deter 16 travellers from making the trip to Blithfield. With the home boats included, the turn-out was a respectable 21 entries, including Hartley Laminates’ Tom Harlow in the Mk 2 demo boat.
Well, the forecast was not wrong and Race 1 took place in barely sailable conditions. It was good to ditch the wetsuits for shorts and T-shirts, but the miniscule breeze made it a difficult choice at the start, but the wind filled in from the pin end and all of the committee boat starters, including Mike Gibson and Richard Pakes were immediately disadvantaged. Chris Hawley managed to round the windward mark first and never looked back until the closing stages of the last leg. Back in the pack, positions changed constantly in the light and fickle breeze, but Mike and Richard showed their class, gradually picking off the rest of the fleet all the way up to the front, with Mike Gibson snatching the victory in the last couple of metres, with Richard second, Ian Moodie third and Chris Hawley fourth.
After the usual excellent Blithfield lunch, the wind strength increased enough to make the racing more enjoyable and races 2 and 3 were sailed back to back. Once again there was much place swapping during the race, with the main protagonists once again quickly making their way to the sharp end. Race 2 finished Steve Hawley, Mike Gibson, Chris Hawley, Richard Pakes and Race 3 was Chris Hawley, Ian Moodie, Richard Pakes, Mike Gibson.
Prizes were awarded down to fourth place. Only 2 points separated these boats with third place being decided on the race 3 result. Overall winner and now the current holder of the beautiful glass Hartley Laminates Blithfield Open trophy was Mike Gibson.
Overall Results:
1st Mike Gibson
2nd Chris Hawley
3rd Ian Moodie
4th Richard Pakes