British Moth Open at Staines Sailing Club
by Mark Wiltshire (aka New Boy) 9 Jul 2008 08:19 BST
5 July 2008
Staines Sailing Club was the venue for the eighth round of the 2008 BMBA Somerville Series.
Visiting boats from as far away as St Edmundsbury, Frampton and Medley made the trip to this wonderful club. They were greeted with bacon rolls and an endless supply of tea. The welcome alone was worth the trip!
The weather conditions were far from great for sailing British Moths,
with a very strong south-westerly wind blowing down the river with
savage gusts tipping force 6 and sometimes more. But the sun did shine
down as the racing commenced.
The 1st race was led from the start by Tim Davidson, sailing his first
Open in his new boat, "Proper Job". Davidson rounded the 1st mark 20
meters ahead of Tompkins and Wiltshire with Abby Freeley some distance
back as the 1st Lady. Tompkins was very fast downwind and closed the gap
to the leader as they rounded the leeward mark. Freeley was also fast on
the run and rounded the bottom mark close to the leading pack. Davidson
showed great boat handling skills and went on to be the clear winner
whilst the battle for 2nd place was close fought and ended with
Wiltshire taking it only on the final lap.
A fantastic lunch was served and after a short break the Mothists
ventured back onto the water once again to battle each other and the
elements.
The fleet was joined for this race by the Commodore of Staines SC,
Denise Miles, who unfortunately had boat problems just before the start
and had to retire shortly after. Davidson continued to dominate and
finished with a good lead over Wiltshire who was using his weight to
best advantage on the upwind legs as Tompkins was so fast on the run.
The day was not over yet and after the formal prize giving a BBQ was
served and the party went on late into the night, with several sailors
accepting an invitation to stay over.
Overall Results:
1st Tim Davidson, 846 "Proper Job" (Medley)
2nd Wiltshire, 817 "Painted Lady" (Frampton)
3rd Tomkins, 862 "Vapour" (SESCA)
1st Lady, Freeley, 799 "Betchacantcatchme" (SESCA)
Support:
Kevin Humphrey - OOD
Peter Threadgill - Safety
Ann Luke - Catering
Joyce Threadgill - Photography