XOD Itchenor Points Week at Itchenor Sailing Club

Xcitation leading Astralita and Foxglove during Itchenor SC's Points Week © Kirsty Bang

Changing weather conditions combined with the various different courses over the week ensured that the 28 boat strong XOD fleet was fully challenged at this year's competition. Monday's wind was primarily from the North so race officer Roger Wickens sent the boats initially up harbour before swinging them towards the harbour entrance.

Falconet (Alan Perry, Ron Parker and Peter Lawrence) had the best of the early exchanges until Mike Martell's Astralita, Roger Yeoman steering Xcitation and Foxglove in the hands of Alastair Ashford overhauled them.

On Tuesday the wind had turned on its head and was light and from the South with a promise of a later sea breeze. From the start Catherine's team - Colin McKinnon, Neil Hart and Mark Palmer - established a clear lead that they were not to lose. Again it was Xcitation that led the challengers with Falconet in third place.

Against the strong flood tide on Wednesday the choice of a course close to East Head or across the Stocker bank could have been decisive. However, as it turned out, the winner came from the right hand side – Xcitation improving on her two second place finishes. From the left came Relaxation (John Long) and Ted Roose's Thora; both boats achieving their best results of the week, finishing in second and third.

It was Xcitation again at the front on Thursday in markedly different conditions when the Xs encountered a light breeze and a long beat up the Emsworth channel. David Palmer sailing Princess Jalina had established an early lead but had to settle for second place with a visitor from Cowes, Michael O'Donnell in Lightwood finishing third.

O'Donnell was also in the mix in the best conditions of the week on Friday. Sparkling sun and southerlies were ideal for Astralita to hit the front again, followed closely by Lightwood. Having already won the week's main prize – the Benson Platter – Xcitation could relax but still came in third as skipper Roger handed the helm to his 22 year old son Jack.

Overall Results: