Solo Open at Dittisham Sailing Club
by Nick Fisher 18 May 2016 16:59 BST
14 May 2016
Dittisham Solo Open © Nick Fisher
The weather forecast for the day indicated a major change of wind direction from easterly in the morning to southerly sometime around the middle of the day ending up westerly by teatime and not more than force 2. However, as briefing time approached sailors were encouraged to notice dark water over the sailing area, at least double the wind strength predicted, as a result of the sea breeze from Torbay, two miles away, kicking in.
Race officer Jennie Richardson set a simple triangle course for the first race with the windward mark over toward Galmpton in clear wind. Over eagerness at the favoured end of the line led to collisions near the committee boat right under the race officers nose and necessitated a general recall.
The second start got away cleanly with the fleet of fourteen, including five visitors, figuring out the best way up the beat.
At the end of the first lap John Steels had the edge over Alister Glen and held on to it taking the gun after four laps. They had pulled away from a chasing group where places changed every lap resulting in Mike Webster, Richard Allen, and Bob Thomas, all DSC members taking 3,4 and 5.
The second race got away cleanly on the same course but with slightly less breeze.
Glen established a lead pursued by Frank Sear, a local veteran, closely followed by Steels.
Glen held his lead and took the gun followed by Steels at 2, Thomas at 3 and Seear at 4.
The fleet then repaired to the shore where food awaited at the clubhouse and a convivial interlude and much chat ensued.In due course the race officer announced that race three would be an Olympic course and competitors were encouraged to launch.
The gradient wind had veered to southerly at this stage and the sea breeze was intermittent leading to variable wind speed and direction over the course. One full lap, triangle and sausage, was completed resulting in 1. John Steels, 2. Vernon Perkins, 3 Jonathan Weeks (DSC).
Overall Results:
1. John Steels (Starcross YC)
2. Alistair Glen (Exe SC)
3. Vernon Perkins (South Cerney SC)
Frank Seear in fourth place earned himself a 'Ditsum' cap as first local boat.
The Prizegiving took place in the clubhouse following a 70th birthday celebration for Mike Webster.
The visitors departed expressing their enjoyment of the warmth of the welcome by club members, the beauty of the location and their approval of the organisation of the day and looking forward to their next visit.