Supernova Traveller Series at Black Swan Sailing Club
by Bob Lovell 24 May 2010 12:59 BST
22 May 2010
Event winner Richard Pakes powering to windward at the 2010 Black Swan Supernova open © Bob Lovell
Black Swan Sailing Club hosted the Supernova Class Association Open Meeting, one of the Association’s Traveller series of 15 events which are held across the UK.
Despite concerns about the lack of wind 13 competitors arrived eager to race. In fact concerns about the wind proved groundless with a Force 2 to 3 mainly northerly wind which would test the sailors and indeed the Race Officer’s skills.
Race Officer was Black Swan’s Paul Robson, who got the day off to a prompt start at 11.30 a.m. despite some last minute worries with the wind direction shifting up to almost 90 degrees. Best start was by Richard Pakes of Haversham Sailing Club who correctly judged the wind, flying off at the starboard end of the line gaining an immediate advantage over competitors who started mid line. Richard followed by Cotswold Sailing Club’s Cliff Milliner got through Black Swan’s notorious “gap” leaving the rest of the fleet struggling to cope with dirty wind in the “gap’s” narrow waters. The advantage gained here enabled Richard and Cliff to stay clear of the fleet and finish the first race 1st and 2nd.
The back of the fleet also saw some keen racing with competitors jostling for to improve their positions. Patrick Rohart of Haversham SC was unfortunate, touching a race mark thus having to do penalty turns.
The start of the second race was even more fiercely contested with Sam Hood of Cotswold SC, Steve Hawley of Severn SC and Patrick Rohart of Haversham getting an early lead.
Sam Hood and Richard Pakes chose to sail close to the island and whilst Steve Hawley got to the “gap” first he was soon caught by Sam Hood and Richard Pakes. Richard gained an advantage by sailing close to the easterly shore of the island and by mark 6 he had taken the lead which he held to the end of the race leaving Steve Hawley and Haversham’s Paul Undrell battling for 2nd and 3rd. So, 2 up to Richard Pakes.
The third race saw Paul Undrell, Richard Pakes, and Cliff Milliner battling to get to the windward mark first. However they were caught by Black Swan’s Commodore Ian Casewell, who despite starting last sailed through the fleet to catch them at the second mark. Cliff Milliner took the inside line at the third mark passing Richard Pakes and held on to his lead beating Richard at the end of the race. Black Swan’s Ian Casewell managed 3rd. Sam Hood of Cotswold was unfortunate in hitting a finish mark just after reaching the finish line, which, as he had not cleared the line resulting in him having to do penalty turns. He did however just manage to retain his finishing position.
A good day's racing with lots of sun and shifting winds to challenge the sailors. In fact club racing as it should be.
Overall Results:
1st Richard Pakes (Haversham SC)
2nd Cliff Milliner (Cotswold SC)
3rd Paul Undrell (Haversham SC)