Osprey Open at Tata Steel Sailing Club

Tata Osprey Open © John Lockett

Thirteen boats, some from afar, arrived at Tata Steel SC for the Osprey Open Meeting on 7/8 April, the first event in this year's Osprey South Wales Series.

The pre-race favourites of DJ Edwards and Dan Jackson sailing 1276 Jennifer didn't disappoint winning all the three races held. Last time they together at Tata in the October Regatta, they gave a spectacular display of windy weather sailing, this time they showed us all how to do it in light winds with some very impressive boat handling in the gentle breezes.

Race Office Alyson Nicholson had an unenviable task with a light and shifty breeze on the Saturday. With a forecast of even less wind for Sunday, she opted for three relatively short races back to back on Saturday afternoon while there was at least a gentle breeze.

DJ and Dan led from the start of race 1 with Michael Atkinson and Richard Bowers in pursuit and while places changed behind them as teams found holes in the wind and/or the shallow area just off the club house, these two boats continued to take first and second places.

In the second race of the day DJ and Dan were a little too eager and were over the line at the start and it was a full minute before they were able to return. However they still managed to recover to third by the Windward mark behind Emma Stevenson and Tim Bowden in 1175 and Ros and David Downs in 1114. By halfway down the run of the trapezoid course they had taken the lead, but Ros and David then got back past them to lead at the end of lap 1. Despite attempts to influence the Race Officer by 1114 to finish the race the fleet went around for a second lap during which DJ and Dan retook the lead while Ros and David held off a late charge by Emma and Tim to take second place.

Ros & David Downs during the Tata Osprey Open - photo © John Lockett

There was a significant wind-shift after the start of race 3 but also a strengthening of the breeze making for the best sailing of the day with crews finally out on trapezes. DJ and Dan won this one again with the following pack this time being led by Roger and Jamie Blake in their much-admired Mark V.

The fleet retired to a local pub for the evening where they rapidly drunk the landlord out of Guinness followed shortly afterwards by Newcastle Brown. Some of the crews then entertained us with their Pool skills.

Sunday dawned with the surface of the lake like a mirror and after an hour's postponement, it was time to allow competitors to partake of the excellent catering, and start an early journey home.

DJ Edwards and Dan Jackson were clear winners but the fight for podium places behind them was very close with only two points separating the next 4 places. Emma and Tim were second, Oscar and Lisa Chess third, Roger and Jamie fourth and Ros and David fifth.

DJ Edwards (left) & Dan Jackson (centre) win the Tata Osprey Open - photo © Oscar Chess

2017 Osprey South Wales Series winners Chris Butters & Ken Brown - photo © Oscar Chess

The competitors thanked Tata Steel SC for a very well run and enjoyable event despite the lack of wind.

Next event on the Osprey South Wales Series is the Tenby Regatta and Round Caldey Island Race on the 30th June/1st July.

Further info on the class at www.ospreysailing.org.uk or the Facebook Sail Osprey page.

Overall Results: