Wayfarer National Circuit Series at Bough Beech Sailing Club

Twenty-four Wayfarers gathered at Bough Beech SC over the weekend of the 13th/14th November for the traditional end of season finale to decide the National Circuit Series results for 2010. Six Open Meetings constituted the series for 2010; these were held at Blackwater SC on the 1st /2nd May, Shoreham SC on the 15th/16th May, the Medway YC on 12th/13th June, Parkstone YC on the 26th/27th June, Upper Thames SC on the 25th /26th September and finishing with the Bough Beech event 13th/14th November.

Successful completion of four of the six events was necessary to feature in the National Circuit Series results and a number of the top sailors had only taken part in three of the national events by the end of September. Thus it was that many of the top sailors appeared over the Remembrance Sunday weekend at Bough Beech SC to decide the honours.

Two days previously, on the Thursday 11th November (Remembrance Day), a storm swept the country and initial thoughts indicated that it might last until the weekend. However, the first day’s racing was nearly a washout for completely the opposite reasons, the wind had disappeared! The race officer managed one race which Martin Collen won in boat number 88, and then racing had to be abandoned for the day due to lack of wind, with plans to complete three back to back races the next day.

In the event the next day, Sunday 14th November, also started off completely windless until midday when a light breeze appeared and allowed one further light wind race, which Michael McNamara won. Then a force 3 breeze picked up from a northerly direction and two further excellent races were completed in short order. The race winner in the third race was Richard Stone and the fourth race was once again won by Michael McNamara. Overall, and as a reward for a consistent performance over the whole weekend in very varied conditions, the Bough Beech event was won by Martin Collen with a 1st and three further 2nd places.

Overall Results:

The National Circuit Series and winner of the Hartley Laminates Trophy for the second year running was Michael McNamara.

National Circuit Series Overall Results: