Feva & Tera Midland Circuit at Chase Sailing Club
by Andrew Weeden 14 May 2008 07:28 BST
10 May 2008
Gill Midland Circuit event
Bright conditions greeted competitors arriving at Chase for the second event in this Gill sponsored series; however unlike Draycote the wind was minimal and shifty. Coaching in the morning looked at down wind sailing and was for many their first coaching on using spinnakers and all in light winds.
Wind shifts were a feature of the afternoon with some delay in both getting to then setting a true course. The first race saw the fleet struggle to get a decent start, never mind wind up the beat, Rob and James got the best start but were always threatened by Rob & Rebecca Morris who tacked more often to stay in what little wind there was and took full advantage down wind. The home sailors took note of this and saw an improvement in performance not least Fiona & Patrick who strung together a consistent string of placings on S sails while Matt and Darrel showed great promise, improving race by race once they got the measure of conditions.
The second race was a fare quicker affair as the wind filled with Fiona & Patrick grabbing 3rd on handicap. Port end paid in the third race for the Loveridges, who avoided the battle at the other end of the line and got better wind up the beat however they were reeled in by some slick sailing from the Morris team.
The home fleet racing became more competitive and closer and will no doubt improve through the season following a late start. Rob and James defending a lead from the first event did not get it all their own way, the conditions suiting them less well, and will have noted the need to up their game if they are to stay in front, not least with the Loveridges regaining form & new competition arriving at each new event as with ‘Team Morris’ at Chase.
A big thank you to Chase SC for their hospitality and enthusiasm for the event , especially Libby , Richard and Kate who assisted with the coaching, racing and general safety but especially Tom who never stopped all day as well as producing the results. Also, thanks to Gill for the prizes and Hyundai for sponsoring the 2 Circuit Fevas.
Overall Results:
1. Robert & Rebecca Morris
2. Robert & Emma Loveridge
3. Robert MacKenzie & James Weeden