2.4mR Open at Frensham Pond Sailing Club

2.4mR Open at Frensham © Tony Machen

2.4mR Open at Frensham © Tony Machen

2.4mR Open at Frensham © Tony Machen

Nineteen competitors went afloat for Frensham's annual open meeting for 2.4R keelboats. This would be the year for a new trophy winner as the nine times previous holder, world number one Megan Pascoe was involved overseas.

The event takes place over two days with a total of six races sailed back-to-back in pairs. Saturday May 9th was Frensham's club open day with a large gathering of visitors plus a television presence. It was not until four o'clock following regular club racing that the open event was able to start. The wind at this point was Westerly but also throwing some very sharp punching gusts. This was a bit of a learning experience for the visiting helms and the first race was won by Bruce Hill of Frensham. The second race again in similar shifting wind conditions was won by Steve Bulmore a visitor but a helm with long Frensham experience.

On Sunday the wind had shifted in more ways than one and was blowing from the South. Race officer Dan Shaw, wisely set a course in wide Northern end of the lake. So with two races either side of a lunch break there was all to play for.

It was at this point that experienced inland sailor Iain Stowe, from Rutland dominated the event with three first places and a third to decisively take the trophy. He was followed in second by Steve Bulmore while third and fourth went to local Frensham sailors Richard Smallwood and Bruce Hill. The 2.4 provides a level playing field in that the boat is sailed by both able-bodied and disabled sailors and four disabled took part in the races. Several visitors travelled long distances to take part including Iain Stowe the winner from Rutland but a special mention is due to Martin Whittingham-Jones from West Kirby near Merseyside by far the furthest travelled competitor.

Although the wind shifted throughout the two days. The sun shone and all enjoyed the competition. Frensham's very experienced race officer, Dan Shaw played a large part in the success. Afterwards when asked for his opinion of the meeting he joked. 'I think I got away with it but it was tricky.'

The prizes were presented by Frensham's Vice-Commodore, Colin Dutton in the absence of Keith Videlo, Commodore, who had sadly suffered an injury. Iain Stowe received the cup and remarked on the absence of Megan Pascoe. 'With the princess away the mice can play!'

Frensham 2.4 class captain, Lionel East thanked all who had helped in particular, Dan Shaw, plus the safety boat crews and of course the kitchen staff and all who had contributed food to the famous Frensham free tea.

More Tony Machen photos can be found on flickr here.

Overall Results: (top four)

1st Iain Stowe (Rutland SC)
2nd Steve Bulmore (RYA)
3rd Richard Smallwood (Frensham)
4th Bruce Hill (Frensham)