ISO Open at Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club

Prizewinners at the Chew Valley Lake ISO open © Pete Lindley

The first ISO event of the 2007 season was held at Chew Valley lake on 14/15 April, shared with Buzzes and Laser 4000. Weather forecast was for very good weather but light winds.

The first race was delayed while we waited for the breeze which did eventually arrive although it was a little light.

This was the first event for the new Hyde sails and the new Rondar hull. Many were wondering how they were going to perform. We didn’t have to wait very long. Local sailors Matt Chapman and Will Rogers in the new Rondar boat and Hyde sails (with the large spinaker) led to the first mark and held the lead to end, closely followed by Ian and Vladimira Moss in 1207, Johny and Bugsy in Neil Pryde finished 3rd.

Race 2 saw Pete and Tim, Team RWO get to the top mark first. The wind got very light up the second beat which bunched the fleet, and made for many place changes. Matt and Will in the new boat won again with Lloyd and Graham in 2nd and Richard and Matt in 3rd.

In race 3 Ian and Vladimira were first round the top mark, closely followed by the fleet. By the end of the race Matt and Will had again made their way to the front and comfortably won the final race of the day with Johny and Bugsy taking second from Lloyd and Graham.

After racing a meal was waiting for the crews provided by Wet & Windy Chandlery. This was very much appreciated by the fleet who continued into the night to use the excellent bar facilities of the club, including perfect set up for indoor volleyball with table football in the wings..

Day 2 saw started with no wind. After a few hours wait and still no wind it was decided to abandon racing for the day and have the prize giving giving the overall win to Matt and Will, Johny and Bugsy 2nd and Lloyd and Graham 3rd split only by their results in the last race. Prizes were sponsored by Butcombe Brewery.

It was very clear the new Hyde sails performed very well and everyone agreed they look very good on the ISO, though that was not the only factor that allowed Matt and Will to win. Richard and Matt were also using Hydes sails and came in 5th.

Thank you to Chew Valley Sailing Club for and excellent event in trying conditions.

Overall Results: