Optimist January Open at Papercourt Sailing Club
by David Adam 25 Jan 2004 20:07 GMT
17th January 2004
The first Optimist open of the year at Papercourt © David Adam
The first Optimist open of 2004 got the year off to a great start. There were 49 in the gold fleet and 20 in the silver fleet. The day’s sailing had to be delayed since the wind only filled in around 1230. The wind then picked up to a steady but cool force 2 from the north and the first race took place before lunch. In the gold fleet, last year’s winner Claire Lasko demonstrated her intent to repeat last years result by coming first, followed home by Oliver White. After lunch there was just time for two races before the light started to fail, with Amelia Garnett finishing first in both races and Mark Gregson coming in second each time.
In the Silver Fleet there was a good turnout for this time of the year, and some close racing at the front. Emily Palmer won with two firsts and a second, William Adam came second with two seconds and a fifth.
Guildford Marine generously sponsored the prizes for both fleets.
The day was a great success and it was not evident to most that a possible crisis had been averted. Well done to the catering team for ensuring that all our guests had hot food on time despite the main gas tank nearly running out.
We look forward to seeing all you helms again for our September Open
Gold Fleet Results:
1 Amelia Garnett Seaview
2 Mark Gregson Burghfield
3 Oliver White Papercourt
4 Claire Lasko Bowmoor
5 Philip Sparks Lymington
6 Aaron Smith Papercourt
Silver Fleet Results:
1 Emily Palmer Hayling Island
2 William Adam Papercourt
3 Matthew Wallace Spinnaker
4 Alistair Gregory Dorchester
5 Izzy Allerston Emsworth
6 Ben Wallace Spinnaker