Supernova Open at Bartley Sailing Club
by Stephen Hawley 17 Oct 2011 21:34 BST
16 October 2011
It was a cold damp start to the day, but 14 visitors travelled to Bartley to join the 5 home boats and it wasn't too long before the sun came out and the wind filled in. One nameless helm turned up a day early he was that keen to sail, and was slightly surprised by a lack of trailers in the car park.
Race 1
Sam Hood got off to the best start but local helm Mike Gibson was in close pursuit, Steve Hawley gave chase but soon was caught by Paul Earnshaw and Richard Pakes, Gibson extended his lead and proved to be uncatchable. With the other 3 fighting for position Chris Hawley, Hood, Lesley Jeans and Bob Pyett all caught up. Gibson crossed in first followed by Pakes, S Hawley, C Hawley, and the next four had a late battle with Earnshaw coming out on top.
Race 2
Earnshaw and Pakes took early dominance of the race, but Gibson fought back and as the wind became more challenging took the lead. S Hawley wasn't far out of the action and on the final run got past Pakes and Earnshaw. Gibson took line honours to guarantee him overall first, S Hawley crossed in second followed by Pakes and Earnshaw.
Race 3
With the wind direction becoming more unstable course settling became more of a challenge. A late shift in direction favoured C Hawley and S Hawley who established a strong lead. Pakes refused to let them get away and started to claw them back in. S Hawley undertook C Hawley and put clear water between him and Pakes. Hood and Gary Butterfield were well placed and making ground on Earnshaw who was in forth. S Hawley crossed the line in first, followed by Pakes, C Hawley, Hood, Butterfield and Earnshaw.
Thanks to Bartley Sailing Club for hosting the event. The final event of the year is at Haversham on 5th November.
Results:
1st Mike Gibson, Bartley SC, 2pts
2nd Steve Hawley, Bartley SC, 3pts
3rd Richard Pakes, Haversham SC, 4 pts
1st Lady, Helen Britton, Bolton SC
1st Master, Paul Earnshaw, Haversham SC
1st Veteran, Sam Hood, Cotswold SC