Classic Flying Fifteen Open at Broxbourne Sailing Club

Racing at the Broxbourne Sailing Club Flying Fifteen Classic Open © Pip Hudson

Racing at the Broxbourne Sailing Club Flying Fifteen Classic Open © Pip Hudson

Good weather and moderate winds greeted the 15 flying fifteens at the Broxbourne SC Flying Fifteen open for classic and silver fleet boats (sail number below 2700 and 3400 respectively).

With a force 3-4 South Westerly it was possible to set a trapezoidal course followed by a long run across the full diagonal of the lake. At the end of the first reach Tim Tomlinson and Mark Greer from Middle Nene, FF2433 held a short lead from Bob Tait and Mick Musgrove FF2606 who led the pack down the short run. The second beat saw many place changes as those who read the wind shifts came to the fore and the second long run saw FF2606 move into the lead. However, on the next beat Tim re-established himself in front and Bob was also overtaken by Bob Falconer and Jerry Rogers (FF2523). These positions remained until the finish by which time FF2433 had a commanding lead.

With a forecast for light winds on Sunday it was decided to complete three races on Saturday. Again F2433 dominated both races. However, it was much closer behind with several boats contesting the other places. Once all boats were craned ashore a fleet supper was enjoyed in the clubhouse.

Sunday dawned with a grey sky, a 2-3 Easterly wind and a conflicting forecast. The met office said the winds would build and veer SE, other forecasts suggested the wind dropping in the afternoon and staying roughly East. It felt as if it would drop, and so to allow an early finish it two races were run back to back.

With the wind shifting up to 20 degrees it was difficult to set up the start line and the race officer did well to get the fleet away first time on a good line. The slightly lighter winds saw the boats much more closely bunched and after the run from the first windward mark the fleet arrived at the leeward mark together which made for a very tactical second beat. At the end of the first lap FF2606 had moved into the lead though once again was overtaken by Tomlinson/Greer and with Bob Falconer moving into third the pattern was beginning to be established.

With four wins F2433 was able to sit out the last race which was sailed in a falling wind shifting from East to SE and at times dropping very light. This was the just the opportunity past winner Graham Lamond sailing with his son Alistair needed. In a nail biting race they held on for a much deserved win from Bob Falconer and Bob Tait. This made Alistair the first junior overall. The race planning was vindicated as the wind died whilst the boats were being packed up.

It was great to see such a good turnout, especially juniors and ladies crewing and with racing right down the fleet. A strong emphasis on setting windward leeward legs, not always easy on a smaller lake, resulted in much closer racing and everyone felt the courses were a success. The late Saturday start and racing into the evening followed by an early start with two races back to back on Sunday was also effective and made best use of the weather window.

Overall Results: