Spring Thaw Open Series at Bewl Valley Sailing Club Overall
by Richard Kingsnorth 25 Mar 2008 18:27 GMT
2, 9, 16, 23 March 2008
In his “thank you” speech, having won the Asymmetric fleet trophy in his RS200, Steve Restall (Downs) said that he had excellent racing in the series over four Sundays. The format was just right, with the series fitting neatly between winter series in other inland venues and the opening of sea club seasons. As an experiment it had succeeded and Steve encouraged the Club to repeat the series next and subsequent years.
A new venture for Bewl Valley, the Spring Thaw Open Series provided close competitive racing for Asymmetric and Conventional handicap fleets, and one design racing for Laser (PN adjusted for Radial and 4.7), Solo, Enterprise and Flying 15 fleets. Despite clashing with the Dinghy Show, Mothering Sunday and Easter twelve visitors swelled the overall entry to seventy boats. Separate courses were set for Asymmetric, Flying 15 and other fleets in generally strong winds and all weather from sun to snow. Several boats won one or more races and the leadership in all classes was only decided on the very last day. Of particular note was Chris Moss (Bewl) who posted 6 firsts (on handicap) in his 4.7 to take the Laser trophy from Sergio Mesina (Chipstead) and a further twenty lasers.
The Solo fleet was dominated by John Reed (Bough Beech) who was followed by “consistent improver” Don Buckle (Bewl). Class Captain Ian and Penny Ramus deservedly took the Flying 15 prize.
A Club Race Officer seminar in February was linked to the series as part of the Club’s winter race management training with assistant race officers changing each week. Emphasis was placed on detailed planning, the accuracy of course setting and a fast turnaround of races sailed back to back.
Echoing Steve’s words, we look forward to next spring.
Overall Results:
Asymmetric
1st Steve and Judy Restall (Downs) RS200
2nd Adam Page (Bewl) RS400
3rd Jack Foster and Robin Foster (Chipstead) RS200
Laser
1st Chris Moss (Bewl) 4.7
2nd Sergio Mesina (Chipstead)
3rd Charlie Royston (Bewl)
Solo
1st John Reed (Bough Beech)
2nd Don Buckle (Bewl)
3rd Tony Dicker (Chipstead)
Enterprise
1st John Mansel-Smith (Bewl)
2nd Adrian Howse (Bewl)
Handicap
1st Gavin Barr (Bewl) Wanderer
Flying 15
1st Ian and Penny Ramus (Bewl)
2nd Eric Scott and Bill Willock (Bewl)
3rd Robin Taylor and Jo Morgan (Bewl)