3000 Travellers Event 2 at Killington Sailing Association

The second event in the 3000 Traveller series was held on 24th June 2007 at Killington Reservoir, a feeder reservoir for the Lancaster Canal. Next to junction 37 of the M6 in Cumbria, this is the home of the Sedbergh School sailing team who have two 3000s.

The Saturday was set aside as a free sailing day. With a good wind from the south during the day there were four 3000s on the water with various crew combinations. We were off the water at around 17:30. Washed and scrubbed we headed into picturesque Sedbergh for a few pints at the Dalesman.

After heavy rain overnight we woke to no wind. Camp struck, boats rigged and race briefed, still no wind. The BBQ smoke told a sorry tale, rising vertically; the good news lunch was served. As we sat eating burgers and sausages the wind filled and it was decided to give it a go. As near a windward leeward course was set using the fixed club marks. Seven boats mustered for the start, Jonathan Nainsby-Luxmoore and Robert Johnson (3522) having travelled from Teesdale for the day. In light southerly winds we were led away by Rob Leigh and Mark Liddell (3302) who got a blinding start and pulled away for a strong lead. The rest of the pack followed with the wind occasionally picking up and at other times dropping away leaving the spinnaker limp and useless. After 2 laps Leigh approached the finish only to find it positioned in a wind hole. William and Matt Archer (3319) thought they had a chance to snatch 1st but they too were left adrift with Nick Arran (3604) bearing down (sorry drifting down) on them. The result Leigh (3302), Archer (3319) and a photo finish for 3rd between Arran (3604) and Lee Howton and Imogen Westropp (3253).

With a little more wind and the start line moved across the lake the second race started with all on Starboard tack. The Archers tacked to port and gained an advantage on the west side of the lake. Downwind it was neck and neck with Nainby-Luxmoore (3522) but with weight on their side in the light airs the Archers pulled away when heading back up the lake. After 2 laps the result was Archer (3319), Nainby-Luxmoore (3522) and Leigh (3302).

With time running short and long distances to be travelled home the 3rd race was in question. The Blakes (3085) who had the furthest to travel were consulted and were keen to race so it was back onto the lake – the jubilant Archers were now worried – leading after 2, what would happen in the 3rd. With a leeward mark change, count down began. The Archers and Leigh started from the Port end and just managed to pass the fleet. After one lap the course was shortened at the top mark and it was a run for home with the Archers closely followed by Leigh. Around the mark the Archers went right, Leigh left. Leigh made up ground and the Archers did not have a good line to the finish – sink low or 2 gybes to keep the boat moving. Two gybes it was and they crossed the line with seconds to spare. Great racing. Archers (3319), Leigh (3302) and then the Blakes (3085) - the same order as the overall results.

Overall Results: