Tinker Class Association Welsh Rally at Bala Sailing Club
by John Hunter 3 Jul 2015 14:33 BST
27-28 June 2015
Saturday 27th June saw a number of members of the Tinker Class Association arrive from all corners to attend their Welsh rally event. There were nine boats with one double hander of David and Isobel Birse.
The winds were moderate from the SW which is quite strong for a Tinker so many sailed using a small jib and a reefed mainsail. There were three races, with the wind as strong as it was with white caps there was some exhilarating sailing.
David Stewart with a full main was the first casualty capsizing turtle at the gybe mark and losing his rudder. Using his masthead righting line David was able to recover. Perry Milton snapped his tiller, and Alistair Parker broke his rudder blade. What a day!
Sunday's winds were as forecast 13mph with gusts up to 29mph, slightly stronger than Saturday. More whitecaps and some impressive boat speeds, even planing with a small jib. Perry Milton capsized before the first race but was recovered with help from the rescue boat. Later David Stewart had to retire with a snapped dagger board.
The wind eased for the last race so most boats sailed with a full main. This was probably the most enjoyable race of the weekend.
Overall Results: (top three, 5 races)
1st Malcolm Ellwood
2nd David Warren
3rd Alistair Parker