Streaker Open at Ouse Amateur Sailing Club

Streakers at Ouse Amateur Sailing Club © Richard Wood

Streakers at Ouse Amateur Sailing Club © Richard Wood

Seven sailors from across the Midlands and Eastern regions arrived despite unpromising conditions at Ouse Amateur Sailing Club, grateful for the wind picking up gradually to a patchy force 2 by the start of the first race, as forecast. This being my first event in the streaker, I felt very welcome, and was looking forward to some good racing.

In the first race, Ian Bradley, from Ouse initially disappeared into the distance, with Robin Jones and Paul Jago, both from Hykeham in second and third respectively, with the rest of the fleet close behind. Near the closing stages of the race however, Ian Bradley slowed down to see if he could 'get some good racing with the rest of the fleet', and let Robin Jones past momentarily, before re-taking the lead, and once more disappearing into the distance. Paul Jago meanwhile overtook Robin Jones in the final stage of the race, who managed to stay ahead of Hugh Ambery of Blakeney sailing club, and Garry Hogan of Haversham, who took fourth and fifth.

The wind gradually increased over lunch, however the second race started in much the same way as the first with Ian Bradley taking an early lead, but with Hugh Ambery in second and Paul Jago in third. By the second lap however, Robin Jones had managed to overtake Paul Jago and Hugh Ambery who had switched positions. The positions remained the same, with Ian Bradley counting another win, Robin Jones a second, Paul Jago a third, and Hugh Ambery another fourth.

Ian Bradley was guaranteed victory by the third race, in which the wind was very shifty compared to the second, but still went out and won the last race following an excellent start. Paul Jago was in a comfortable second place by the first mark, with Hugh Ambery in third until he found himself sailing through a rather extensive patch of weed, when Alan Simmons of Lancing SC briefly took third before capsizing spectacularly at the start of the last run. Garry Simmons took third briefly but was overtaken by Robin Jones by the end of the run, who retained third until the finish.

Paul Jago's second in the last race secured him second overall, with Robin Jones just one point behind in third. I can say that it was a day of several firsts for me, namely my first Streaker open, and my first write up of an open meeting. And I can safely say I hope to do plenty more streaker opens in the next few years.

The winning helm, Ian Bradley thanked everyone for coming, and all the people who helped out at Ouse Amateur Sailing Club, who were welcoming and provided prizes for all. I also think a special mention must be given to Barry Sprunt who made the most of some rather difficult conditions on the Saddlebow to get three good races in.

Overall Results: