Dart 15 Open at Beaver Sailing Club

George Carter wins the 2nd Dart 15 Winter series event at Beaver © Paul Smith

The 2nd Winter series event took place on Saturday 6th December, attended by 9 home boats and 7 visitors, and sailed in a 12-15 knot breeze.

In race 1, local sailor John Postlethwaite led the field, closely followed by Austin Flather, George and Bob Carter, Paul Smith and Charles Watson, and these 6 opened up a sizeable lead from the rest, who were duelling for the mid-places. Later, George Carter came through to second, and Steve Hanby sneaked a third from Flather on the line, whilst Smith took 5th from Watson and Bob Carter, after a Port/Starboard incident put them out of contention.

Race 2 saw Postlethwaite briefly leading again, but roles were reversed when Flather overtook on the run, and carved out a comfortable lead for most of the race. Postlethwaite also allowed George Carter, Smith and Hanby to come through, and these became the dominant group thereafter. On the last windward leg however, Flather committed the cardinal sin of failing to cover when Carter chose the opposite side, and took Flather on the line to win, also winning the event overall. Smith held on to 3rd from Hanby, followed by Postlethwaite, who was struggling to maintain pace in the now slackening wind.

Thanks go to race officer Peter Hone for two excellent courses, and the Class now adjourn for the Christmas break, resuming the challenge with round three at Rutland Water in January.

Overall Results: