IOM Windsor Trophy at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club
by Tony Wilson 11 Oct 2016 08:44 BST
9 October 2016
With a North Easterly teetering on the verge of only about 8 to 10 mph, the Pump House buoy was again the main target for the first beat. A turnout of 13 skippers in total with the biggest portion from the home club Fleetwood, with the class favourite boats seemed to be mainly the Britpop.
Derek Priestley's son had also entered and was using IOM 67, so Derek's wild card was to borrow boats one at a time, thus helping individuals and tweeking their settings for better performance. Even so by the end of the day he had still gained an honourable 5th place.
16 races were run throughout the long day, with a few variations in course settings. At one time 3 figure of eights were sailed for a couple of races around the central area of the pond, keeping a corner free for the power boat speedsters at the top end.
This must be close to setting walking records with an IOM as 8.5 miles were recorded by Tim L.'s walkometer thingy. Imagine if the wind had been blowing harder, it'd be get the running shoes out.
By the end, it was former champ Rob Walsh that took the day, with young Priestley in second place and Mike Parkington in third.
Thanks to Eric Watkinson for Race Officer duties.
Overall Results: (top 5)
1. Rob Walsh
2. Shaun Priestley
3. Mike Parkington
4. Bill Culshaw
5. Derek Priestley
Further details on the fleetwood Model Yacht Club website, fleetwoodmypbc.org.uk