Streaker and Solo Open at Yeadon Sailing Club

Streaker start in the Streaker and Solo Open at Yeadon Sailing Club © Clare Rutherford

Steve Blackburn leading the Streaker fleet in the Streaker and Solo Open at Yeadon Sailing Club © Clare Rutherford

Tony Dallimore, the winning Solo in the Streaker and Solo Open at Yeadon Sailing Club © Clare Rutherford

With a strong turnout of Streakers but sadly only three Solos, competitors were greeted with almost no wind at Yeadon however as the fleet rigged the wind slowly started to pick up from the North East to give a light and changeable breeze.

Race 1 saw Ian Lees from Scammonden in Streaker 1826 take an early lead for the part lap however it was Steve Blackburn of West Lancs who then pulled through from second place to take the lead a position he maintained to the end. Ian Priest of Scaling Dam sailed a solid and consistent third place having moved up to third at the part lap in Streaker 1852 whilst Chris Wright of Ripon Sailing club did the opposite in Streaker 1754 a theme that continued for most of the day. In the Solo fleet it was Tony Langley of Yeadon in Solo 4163 taking the early lead but chased hard by Tony Dallimore of Ripon who took the lead on lap 2 in Solo 5367. New to the fleet Bob Dootson also of Yeadon sailed a solid race in third, positions they then held to the end despite some close racing between the two Tony's.

In Race 2 the breeze had increased slightly although still with some very quiet moments in places however the competitors proved very consistent with Steve Blackburn leading the Streaker fleet throughout the race chased hard by Ian Lees then Chris Wright. In the Solo fleet Tony Dallimore again lead the charge with Tony and Bob in hot pursuit. Towards the end of the race the breeze has increased further and settled slightly to give much improved sailing for all.

Race 3 was started promptly to make the most of the breeze which in fact remained throughout the race to give some excellent racing. In the Streaker Peter Kitchen of Tees and Hartlepool clearly liked the increased breeze and led for the first two laps before dropping to third place but then pulling back to finish in second place it was however Steve Blackburn who once again pulled through to take the win with Ian Lees in third place. In the Solo fleet Tony Langley pushed Tony Dallimore hard occasionally taking the lead but in the end it was Tony Dallimore who took his third win of the day and the event.

Steve Blackburn, having won the event with three winsm thanked Yeadon Sailing Club, in particular the race and catering team etc. for a very enjoyable event. Prior to the prize giving a very special award was presented to local Streaker sailor David Hinks to celebrate his 80th birthday in the coming week.

David Hinks special award for his 80th Birthday and still sailing his Streaker during the Streaker and Solo Open at Yeadon Sailing Club - photo © Clare Rutherford

Overall Results: