Flying Fifteen Bulwark Trophy at Hayling Island Sailing Club

Greg Wells & Dave Tulloch winners the Flying Fifteen Bulwark Trophy at Hayling © Mark Wood

Greg Wells and David Tullock were convincing winners of the 2004 Bulwark Trophy for flying fifteens held at Hayling Island S C over the weekend 12/13 June.

Twenty-two boats contested the four race series. Saturday featured a F 3 northwesterly airstreams, which provided a tricky examination of sailing skills.

In race one, Charles Apthorp, crewed by Mike Newcombe, set off on a long port tack towards the beach. Above the lay line he was rewarded by a stronger freeing wind on starboard tack, which gave him good advantage over boats that had pursued a more conservative course up the middle. Second around the weather mark was Greg Wells/ David Tulloch closely followed by Alan Bax/Paul Busby.This pair later later lost out by tacking to the left. The wind became stronger making spinnaker handling more difficult. The wind shifted a bit more and Race Officer, Peter Wareham shortened after three laps. First was Charles Apthorp/Mike Newcombe with Greg Wells/David Tulloch in second. The Grafham combination of Simon Kneller/ David Lucas pulled up through the fleet to take third place ahead of Pip Hudson/Adrian Simpson from Broxbourne.

In race 2 many boats tried the same tactic of working the right hand side of the course. Charles Apthorp/ Mike Newcombe were looking to repeat their first race success and on the second round had a good lead with Andrew Jameson/James Grant in second. At this stage Greg Wells/ David Tulloch were lying third. This pair broke away into the middle of the course and with Andrew Palmer/Steve Carson and Alan Bax/Paul Busby and, using the shifts, reeled in the early leaders. At the finish Greg Wells/Tulloch lead with Andrew Palmer/Steve Carson second and Alan Bax/Paul Busby third. Charles Apthorp/Mike Newcombe pulled back places to finish fifth.

Sunday dawned bright and sunny with a light northerly which was deemed unsuitable for racing so after a hold ashore the fleet set out into a F 3 to 4 sea breeze. With little tidal stream Greg Wells/ Dave Tulloch rounded the weather mark well up and by using a gybe-set gained on those ahead. They soon had the lead followed by Mark Wood and Ian Gorringe who found the steadier stronger winds more to their liking. Third was Alan Bax/Paul Busby with Charles Apthorp in fourth.

In the last race with the wind a little stronger, it was Simon Kneller/ Dave Lucas who pulled out a good lead over Wells/David Tulloch. Unfortunately they misread a signal and ‘finished’ a lap early. By the time they had realised their error Wells/ Tulloch were through to take a third first place and the title. Second was Apthorp/ Newcombe with Wood/Gorringe in third.

When the results were announced after a wonderful tea of scones, sandwiches and cake, it was Greg Wells/Dave Tulloch first, Charles Apthorp/Mike Newcombe second and Alan Bax/Paul Busby in third.

Overall Results: