Bala Long Distance Handicap Weekend 2016
by Ken Hull 29 Jun 2016 07:30 BST
25-26 June 2016
Don't believe the weather forecast! During the week leading up to the event the forecast was for a light north westerly, which is not good for sailing on Bala, and right up to about 30 minutes from the start that is exactly what we got.
Then the wind gods smiled upon us & the wind switched to a fresh south westerly straight down the lake.
The 30 boats that entered Saturday's Long distance race, were then able to set off on a 3 mile beat, followed by a 3 mile run back down the lake & then a short reach to finish the lap.
All of the boats completed 2 laps, which the fastest boat an Osprey managed in just over two & a half hours, & the slowest in three & a half hours.
After the number crunching, the win went to a 2000 sailed by John & Sarah Haywood of Bala, then the K1 sailed by Paul Allen of Leigh & Lowton, followed by the Albacore of Phil Smith (RYA) & Tom Williams of Bala.
Sixteen boats stayed for Sunday's event, a 2 hour persuit race but over a slightly shorter course with more laps. The win went to Alec Mamwell & Arthur Butler in an Osprey, followed by Mike Allen of Bala in a Devote one, followed by Ruth Walker & Tom Frost from Bartley SC in a Javelin,
When the events were combined the overall win went to Alec Mamwell & Arthur Butler in the Osprey from Coniston.
For full results go to www.balasc.org.uk