Streaker Open at Priory Sailing Club

Action from the Priory Streaker open © Elizabeth Simmons

Grey skies with just a light breeze greeted the participants in the combined Streaker and Heron Open Meeting at Priory SC, Bedford.

Race one started with the fleet split at both ends of the line and it was Bill Strange, from Stewartby S C, who found more breeze at the leeward end to round the windward mark in the lead. He was never challenged and it was left to Alan Simmons, Lancing SC and Andrew Wilson, Priory SC to settle into 2nd and third positions which they held to the finish.

Race two, after lunch, was held in much the same shifty breeze as previously. It was Bill Stange who nipped ahead again and was only once briefly challenged until he pulled away to yet another commanding lead. Andrew Wilson was ahead of Alan Simmons by the end of the first lap. These two changed position back and forth over the next 3 laps but by the finish a new face had worked up to 2nd spot, Andrew Francis of Girton S C.

At the start of the third race Alan Simmons spotted the advantage of a port end start and crossed the fleet to lead at the windward mark. Bill Strange was in hot pursuit determined to make it a hat trick and he was in turn chased by Andrew Wilson. After three laps Bill caught Alan and was about to pass when gradually luffed by Alan endeavouring to stay clear of a right of way boat in the Heron fleet. The resultant meeting of hulls meant that Bill had turns to do from which he never fully recovered and also allowed John Simmons, Stewartby SC into second place.

Bill strange with two first was the overall winner with Alan second and Andrew Francis third.

Overall Results: