Norfolk Punt Open at the Norfolk Punt Club
by Tom Moore 26 Jul 2010 11:13 BST
10-11 July 2010
Norfolk Punts at Barton Broad © Tom Moore
10 punts came to the line for a four race series, sailed in blustery but sunny conditions over the weekend of 10th/11th July. 4 traditional punts, four hard chine punts and two Morrison designs made up a competitive fleet that had a hard fought match that was only decided at the last race.
Winds were generally higher than forecast with a strong sea breeze from the south east on Saturday afternoon reinforcing an existing 15 knot southerly giving the OOD problems with a shifting wind and the fleet a strong reaching first race and a long upwind / downwind course for the second race.
There were many capsizes, and the first three places were filled by boats that were consistent, getting good starts and avoiding trouble. It was really good to see the small 20 foot Punt - Prawn, number 19, competing having been lovingly restored by Bill Glover, but sadly overpowered in these conditions. Brian Wilkins, sailing 61, Shoveller, might well have finished higher in the final standings if he hadn’t led half the fleet in the wrong direction not having realised that a mark had been moved! Val Khambatta, sailing number 37, Gamecock, also had flashes of brilliance, winning one race, but not achieving the necessary consistency for a high place.
The old traditional punts are still so loved and obviously competitive, and Robin Slatter, sailing the traditional punt Cavender – number 32, thoroughly deserved his overall win with consistent sailing to achieve two firsts and a second, just one point ahead of the new hardchine punt Comet, number 102, well sailed by Richard Whitefoot.
Overall Results:
1st Cavender, Robin Slatter & Lesley Holmes
2nd Comet, Richard Whitefoot & crew
3rd Shoveller, Brian Wilkins & Chris Tuckett