Graduate Nationals at Chipstead Sailing Club - Day 1

A variable wind direction at Chipstead on day one of the Graduate nationals © Ros Foster

A variable wind direction at Chipstead on day one of the Graduate nationals © Ros Foster

The description of the wind direction at Chipstead Sailing Club could be described as variable. Perhaps it came mostly from the South - but it did not deter the Graduate Nationals Fleet of 32 boats from taking to the water for what was to become a testing day at Chipstead Sailing Club. There were nerves "a jangling" as much was riding on this first race. Ian Teasdale of The Boatyard at Beer stood on the shore and wondered just where his new epoxy boat 'New Beginnings', being sailed by Steve Cockerill & Liam Gardner, would finish. With just a minute to go to the start, the fleet were sailing in both directions on the same tack??!!?? Which side of the lake would the next zephyr come from? By chance those who had sailed to the north side of the lake came out on top - Steve & Liam popped out and took control of the fleet from the start with Graham & Bradley Hughes popping out from mid line. The race was a tale of tiny gust and risk management in major windshifts.

The fleet successfully negotiated one lap and a beat (allegedly, it actually became a run) to the finish with Steve & Liam just holding off Graham & Bradley at the finish. There was much relief and excitement that they had managed to hold off Graham and Bradley who were sailing really well - and were probably 30kg lighter than Steve & Liam.

Roger Cherrill & Sarah Jane Chritchley, who apparently don't like these testing light conditions, sailed a solid race to come in third ahead of his club mates Alan Warren & Linda Dobson.

Results after Day 1: