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Comet Open at Winsford Flash Sailing Club

by Roy Symmers 23 May 2018 16:32 BST 19 May 2018

Fourteen sailors arrived at Winsford Flash Sailing Club to compete for their Comet Open Meeting trophy. The five visitors and nine home boats were not tempted away by the Royal Wedding or the FA Cup Final.

It was a beautiful hot sunny day only marred by an almost total lack of wind. However by the briefing at 10.30 a very light breeze had filled in over the north half of the Flash and this continued to develop, much as forecast, throughout the day.

In the 1st race Eddie Pope (377) led early followed by Bob Dodds(869) and they remained in these positions throughout the race. At one point the wind filled in from behind allowing the whole fleet to close on the leaders and increasing the tension in the whole fleet. Chris Hatton (48) and Jonathan Latham (815) improved their early positions each overtaking two boat to finish in 3rd and 4th places respectively.

Jonathan Latham established an early lead in the 2nd race shadowed by Chris Hatton who, in turn, was followed by Eddie Pope. Eddie managed to overtake finishing 1st to Chris 2nd, Jonathan 3rd and Bob Dodds 4th.

The first two races were won by Eddie Pope making him unassailable. Chris Hatton, Jonathan Latham and Bob Dodds were all able to take second place so had all to sail for in the last race. However, Eddie did not sit back on his laurels but must have relaxed a little as he finished 3rd with Chris Hatton winning, Jonathan 2nd and Bob 4th. Some of us were caught without wind on the last leg only to be overtaken by the rear end of the fleet arriving in wind.

All sailed well in conditions which could be difficult and frustrating at times but on a perfect summer day.

Overall Results:

1. Eddie Pope (Ogston SC)
2. Chris Hatton (Bowmoor SC)
3. Jonathan Latham (WFSC)
4. Bob Dodds (CMYC)
5. Alan Hatton (Bowmoor SC)
6. Steve Bellamy (WFSC)
7. Chris Robinson (Burghfield SC)
8. Roy Symmers (WFSC)
9. Ros Stevenson (WFSC)
10. Brian Herring (WFSC)
11. Rick Hough (WFSC)
12. Janet Gaukroger (WFSC)
13. Claudie Black (WFSC)
14. Nigel Miller (WFSC)

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