Comet Open at Chipstead Sailing Club
by Richard Sammons 19 Jun 2013 08:15 BST
16 June 2013
Strong winds for the Comets at Chipstead © Mark Wilkins
For the third year in succession strong winds greeted the visitors and home fleet for the Chipstead Comet Open. The club was delighted to see a strong turnout, with four juniors participating bravely in the demanding conditions, and Crawley Mariners were well represented.
17 boats lined up for the first start despite the forecast of 35 mph gusts in the prevailing westerly wind. Several variations of rig were out (Xtra, mino, reefed and full rig). Guy Wilkins, having chosen the Xtra rig, made a clear start in the first race from the middle of the line. Tacking on the shifts as he made his way up the full length of the lake, Guy had established a clear lead at the windward mark. But Ian Stone is a force to be reckoned with, and after some changes of places eventually passed Guy, with the full rig proving to be faster than the Xtra on the run. That order remained until the finish with Chris Robinson in third place and Michael Ettershank deservedly in fourth. By the end of the first race six boats had retired.
The lunch break had the required effect of recharging the energy of the fleet, and fourteen boats started the second race on the same course despite no easing of the conditions. Ian lead from the start but was overtaken by Chris on the second run down the lake and held that comfortably until the shortened finish.
This set things up nicely with Ian, Chris and Guy all needing a win in the last race to take overall victory. The wind had by then strengthened further, and it is commendable to note that twelve boats, including all four juniors, took to the water for the third race. Four boats capsized before the start! On a shortened course each of Ian, Chris and Guy had their time in the lead but it was Guy in the Xtra rig that avoided the capsize and won by virtue of winning the last race, with only five finishers.
Chipstead Sailing Club was pleased to note the valiant efforts of the juniors, and also gave prizes to Meg Warren as top Ladies Helm and to Roger Burgess for Endeavour.
Overall Results:
1st Guy Wilkins (Comet Xtra)
2nd Ian Stone (Comet)
3rd Chris Robinson (Comet)