K1 Midland Area Championship at Blithfield Sailing Club

Fifteen competitors pitched up at Blithfield SC to contest their Midland Area Championship to be greeted with grey skies, and a cold onshore winds gusting to F7 making launching and recovery problematic.

The fleet got away to a clean start under the expert direction of the Race Officer, Ian McDonald and at the first mark the three talented helms from Olton Mere were already in command. Charley Chandler, Tom White and Matt French had close fought race to finish in that order.

The following places were contested by Alan Russell, Ralph Husey, and David Hume. Mike Deane traveling from Windermere, was rewarded by a 7th, John Shimell, Alf Hawksworth and newcomer Dave Norris managing a creditable tenth. Simon Jones traveling all the way from Wimbelball was 11th with Tug Wilson from Swarkestone 12th. Madge Norris deserves special mention, she persevered and coped surprisingly well with what was almost her first time in a K1.

The much diminished fleet returned to the race track after lunch for the final two very tough races that were held back to back. The leaders finished in the same order with Alan Russell, John Shimell and Mike Deane 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.

The final result: Charley Chandler, Tom White and Matt French all from Olton Mere and Alan Russell from Rutland 4th.

Charley and the Class Chairman Peter French were fulsome in their praise of Blithfield for a well-run event both on and off the water. Mike Deane outlined the format of the next open to be organised by Windermere in mid-May and I hope that they have better weather for that event.

From a Blithfield perspective we were delighted to host the Championship and we enjoyed the company of so many delightful people from the class. Had the kindly weather forecast materialised it would have enhanced the event, it was the only thing that tarnished what was otherwise a most enjoyable meeting.

Overall Results: