Lightning368 Southerns at Cookham Reach Sailing Club

Lightning 368 Southern Championship at Cookham Reach © George and Susan Kronfli

Lightning 368 Southern Championship at Cookham Reach © George and Susan Kronfli

After the really strong wind on the previous day, Saturday provided ideal conditions for sailing Cookham’s stretch of the River Thames with a south-westerly Force 3. 12 visitors joined 10 home boats to negotiate the testing course set by the Race Officer incorporating five buoys and a steeply angled start line.

The first lap of the First Race saw the fleet quickly spread out as the competitors learnt the relatively short course and how best to negotiate the now “infamous tree” on the bend of the river and allow for its distortion of the wind. Cookham helms Martin Evans (150) and Alex Jones (145) led the way with the order being reversed for lap two, followed by Simon Styles (292) and David Phillips (119). There was some keen and close competition the length of the fleet but by the fourth lap Alex had started to lap the tailenders. A sudden gust caused much of the mid-fleet to close up across the river. This caused some concern for Alex, now with Caroline Key (400) in second place, without right of way. As the race reached its final stage the wind strength increased causing some individual acts of bravery. During this period John Claridge (402) managed to catch and overtake the leaders. Result: 1st 402; 2nd 145; 3rd 400

For Race 2 the wind strength had reduced allowing the fleet to get away to another clean start, albeit congested. Caroline came through to lead the first lap followed by Martin, Simon, John, Kevin Singleton (124) and David. By the third lap Caroline was really “in the groove” having pulled out a significant lead with the places behind being shuffled with Adam Styles (236) moving up to third and Alex to fourth. Again by the end of the race the boats were well spread out and John had pulled through to second. Result: 1st 400: 2nd 402; 3rd 236

After a short rest, Race 3 followed on. The start appeared more tense with much to be achieved in a slightly increased wind. Out of the confusion John pulled away and was set on a good course for the first mark. Others behind were frustrated by the arrival of a motor cruiser, the skipper of which was bemused by the number of sailing boats in his path. However at the end of the first lap it was Kevin who was leading followed by another Cookham boat, David, and James Thorne (282) with John in fourth. Caroline had had a difficult first lap and was in seventh place. The fleet had already become well spaced out with occasional strong gusts, testing tactics and skill. John finally pulled through to win in front of David, who were both well ahead of the fleet with Caroline having fought her way up to third.

Everyone felt they had participated in a brilliant day of competition and left looking forward to returning in 2011. They had also been a part of the largest Lightning turnout of the season.

Southern Championship Results:

Open Meeting Results: