K1 Open at Datchet Water Sailing Club

First race action from the K1 open at Datchet © Datchet Water SC

Dominick leads during the K1 open at Datchet © Datchet Water SC

K1 open at Datchet prize giving © Datchet Water SC

The K1 class continued its 2014 open meeting circuit with its first visit to Datchet Water SC on 7th June.

Given the forecast for heavy rain and cloud it was pleasing to see 12 K1s make the journey, most travelling through torrential rain but later rewarded with some idyllic sailing condition.

Race one got underway in a decent breeze and the fleet set off on a windward leeward course shared with the Scorpions racing for their Inland Championship title. Local sailor Dominick Hume from Datchet found his way to the front followed by Ralph Hussey of Shoreham SC and Jeff VanderBorght from Lyme Regis SC. These front positions stayed to the end except for on the final short reach to the finish when Paul Handley of Chipstead SC caught a gust and planed past Jeff just yards from the line to take third.

By the start of the second race it felt like another day, with the gloom replaced by bright sunshine and the breeze significantly lighter. Paul Handley found the lighter and shiftier conditions to his liking and got away followed by Julian Leggett of Weirwood SC. The race was shortened as the fleet spread out and Paul took the gun followed by David Hume (Dominick's father) in second place with Jeff third and Alf Hawksworth of Carsington SC 4th.

The wind returned for the final race with the sun still shining for near perfect sailing conditions. Jeff pulled away with good upwind speed but he must have been enjoying the conditions too much as he started an extra lap when the finishing line beckoned. Behind him Dominick made straight for the finishing line to take the win followed by John Shimell of Chew Valley SC in second and Adrian Holmes from Baltic Wharf third.

Overall Dominick Hume won the event and the new Compass trophy kindly donated by his father David. Paul Handley came second overall and John Shimell third. The K1 class would like to thank all at Datchet for organising the event and David Hume in particular for his work to make it a successful event. The class would definitely like to return to Datchet sometime but for now are looking forward to the K1 Inland Nationals at Carsington SC on June 21st/22nd.

Overall Results: