Kestrel Open at Goldhanger Sailing Club

Action from the Kestrel Open at Goldhanger © Julie Jarvey

After years avoiding third place, it befalls me to write the report for the Goldhanger Sailing Club Open Meeting. To those who have not visited us the Club is situated on the River Blackwater some three miles east of Maldon, the sailing area is between Osea Island and the Blackwater north shore, it is a tidal stretch of the river with little or no water at low tide. Some three hours or slightly more is available to sail over the high water period. As a club, like many on this river, the start lines are fixed with an "A" and "B" line which can give us windward starts on most prevailing wind directions. However, before the start of the first race the wind had settled into a Northerly direction which is unpredictable after backing and veering several degrees. It was certainly true to form with wind shifts some 10 or more degrees either side of the mean wind direction. The Race Officer Keith Jordan se t courses which as much as possible produced a reasonable beat from the leeward mark.

Race 1 started cleanly due mainly to the good manners of the 20 starters. Graham and Henry (1549) led the fleet briefly but were gradually passed by Dusty and John (1558) and Paul and Kate (1548). The wind was light and fickle at times and reading the shifts was essential. Some major place changes were made up the windward leg notably Eustace King (the eldest competitor at 77 years) and Dave Lawrence (1484). Dusty eventually come out as the winner with Paul second and Liam and Kita (668) third, seemingly coming through the fleet in the latter stages.

Race 2 commenced in similar conditions. Graham and Henry led almost from the start gradually stretching their lead. The only other boat in contention was Dave and Gareth (1574). Towards the end of the last beat Dave tried to instigate a tacking duel to no avail, third were Paul and Kate.

Saturday evening was spent in the comfort of the clubhouse with an excellent meal provided by the ladies of the club.

Sunday dawned bright, the breeze still light but variable in both strength and direction and had turned a full 180 degrees. Race 3 from a biased line was led by Dave and Gareth, Dusty and John, Graham and Henry and John and Olive Glasspool (1537). These four gradually pulled clear of the chasing fleet. Places were changed on the downwind leg. On the reach to the finish line Graham attempted to cheat the tide by going inshore but only succeeded in maintaining his third place. David winning by a small margin from Dusty.

Race 4 started in a slightly stronger wind, it was led by Liam starting to leeward of the fleet, this proved to be a good tactic as he and Kita managed to obtain some clear wind without the hazards at the windward end. Paul, Dusty and Dave also managed to avoid these problems and followed with the rest of the fleet chasing hard. Liam eventually emerged as the winner with Dusty and Dave second and third.

Prizes were presented by the Club Commodore Andrew Richards. Finally the Chairman of the Kestrel Owners Association kindly offered his thanks to the club for an excellent weekend, remarks which were very much appreciated. However as a club we enjoy the company and the competitive sailing that has become an annual event in our calendar, it gives us the greatest of pleasure that you all seem to enjoy it so much. I can only encourage more K.O.A. sailors to come and enjoy the sailing at Goldhanger.

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