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Craftinsure 2023 LEADERBOARD

Comet Open at Crawley Mariners Yacht Club

by Donal Roche 11 May 2009 08:54 BST 10 May 2009
Mark Wilkins wins the Crawley Mariners Comet open © Donal Roche

Bright sunshine greeted the twenty-three Comets which turned out at Hedgecourt Lake for the Crawley Mariners Comet Open. The format was for two short races back to back in the morning and again in the afternoon. The 8 knot ENE wind and the geography of the lake dictated a committee boat start.

Mark Wilkins soon established a lead in race one which he maintained throughout. Behind him a duel developed between Simon Thompson and Brian Welham with Simon eventually taking the second spot.

Mark led again throughout race two, followed this time by Annete Walters and Simon Thompson. An excellent lunch ashore was followed by a third pole finish for Mark from Nick Warren this time.

The last race was a resounding victory for Annette who seemed set on lapping the entire fleet but subsequently admitted that she had just “really wanted to lap her Dad!” Down the fleet there was some very close racing with tactics and planned mark roundings paying dividends in the results.

Everyone appeared to enjoy their day on the water.

Overall Results:

1st Mark Wilkins
2nd Simon Thompson
3rd John Windibank
4th Annette Walter
5th Nick Warren

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