Blithfield Barrel 2014-15 - Round 4

The first race leader during the final round of the Blithfield Barrel 2014-15 © Don Stokes

Big & bold during the final round of the Blithfield Barrel 2014-15 © Don Stokes

Considering the dire forecast, the fact that series was already decided and the Solo winter champs the day before, we were very pleasantly surprised that 43 boats made the trip to the club. To round off what has certainly been a series dominated by extreme conditions we were greeted by a 4-6 mph breeze from the south east.

The fleet got underway first time, though there was very little in way of wind to work with! A group of Merlin Rockets headed over to the left hand side of the course and picked up a zephyr coming over the dam wall to lead round. Most slower boats played it safe in the middle with the right hand shore becoming a frustratingly difficult to escape from for those who tried it. Steve Leney and guest crew Jon Roberts took the win on the water but didn't quite work hard enough to beat the Scorpion of Peter Grey and Rachel Rhodes. Colin and Sean Anderson came in third in another Merlin.

Lunch ensued and as the fleet ate, the wind died almost completely. Many finished their meals and packed up, but 20 die-hards went out to contest the last race of the series. The light to non existent breeze slowly increased to reasonable proportions as the race wore on. Matt Biggs and John Hackett took the win, Colin and Sean Anderson lost their lead some three quarters of the way through to take second with Steve Leney and Jon Roberts third.

The prize giving ensued shortly after racing. Thanks to our sponsors English Braids and Freedom brewery for their generosity. Spot prizes went down the fleet and the top 10. Chris Gould and Nick Broomhall in their Osprey had already taken the Barrel after week three - I think this is a first. Matt Biggs and John Hackett's win in the last race was enough to place them above Andy Davis and Ian Smith for second and third overall in their Merlins.

Thanks to everyone both from Blithfield and beyond who helped to run the series. Thanks again to our sponsors and to all the members who spent time in the galley, in a RIB or manning the bar to keep sailors safe, fed and watered.

Also a last thank you to all the competitors (100 boats did at least one race) for their effort in coming to support us. See you all next year!

Results can be found here.

Contesting the mark during the final round of the Blithfield Barrel 2014-15 - photo © Don Stokes