Shadow TT during the Grafham Water Sailing Club Cat Open
by Graham Tomlin 20 Oct 2008 12:00 BST
18-19 October 2008
The final Shadow TT event of the 2008 series sponsored by Loday White and Hyde Sails saw 11 entrants forming a large part of the Fast Single Handed Handicap fleet at Grafham last weekend (18-19th October). Thankfully there was considerably more wind than last year and all 6 races were completed in gusty 8 - 20 knot breeze.
The racing was as usual very close, not only between the Shadows but also
against the F16 and slower members of the A Class fleet. Race 1 saw Ian
Smith take the win followed by David Brief and Dave Lowe and Chris
Pilgrim. A large number of capsizes provided rewards for those who managed
to keep the mast pointing up with Graham Tomlin doing particularly well.
Paul Tanner recovered from 4 in race 1 alone!
Race 2 saw Phil Neal lose a commanding lead when he capsized downwind. This meant that the race long battle between Robin Leather, Dave Lowe, David Brief and Ian Smith became a
battle for the win. Robin took the race from David Brief in a photo finish.
Race 3 saw Robert Forrester enter the fight with Ian and Robin. Ian found a
fabulous 'lifter' to get to the windward mark but lost out to Robin who
chose the better side of the leeward gate to beat Ian by seconds.
Sunday started much the same as Saturday but soon changed with the gusts increasing
in strength. The fourth race was won by Robin followed by Ian and Phil who
began to master the conditions.
Race 5 saw a few retirees as the conditions built and Phil took first place followed by Robin and Ian. By the 6th race only two Shadows were left competing with Phil securing a first and Ian
having to retire. Congratulations to Robin who was the overall winner followed by Ian Smith and David Brief.
The sponsors had kindly sponsored provided a new spinnaker to raffle off. Those that entered more events had a greater chance of winning. Congratulations to Chas Bedford who now has a nice crispy kite for next year.