IOM open meeting at Frensham Pond Sailing Club Model Yacht Group
by Nick Royse 14 Sep 18:36 BST
12 September 2018
IOM (One Metre) open meeting at Frensham Pond © Tony Schlaeppi
The Frensham Pond IOM Open Event for Nick's Knots was sailed on Wednesday 12 September. The wind was predominately north east or thereabouts. Initially some 10 mph, it faded as the day went on. This was a demanding day for course setting as the wind was predominately onshore. Accordingly the start line was almost parallel to the shore, leaving a tight area for pre-start manoeuvres.
A total of twenty two entrants braved the conditions, and a fine day's racing was had by all, even if a few races were completed in some drizzle. The entrants were divided into two fleets with four promotions and demotions between the fleets after every race.
Master of the conditions was Dave Adam sailing his Britpop design 36. Such was Dave's mastery that after eight races he was able to discard a fourth and a third place. He was greatly consistent with four second places. However, the fleet was competitive, and there were six different race winners, which made Dave's consistency all the more impressive.
In second and third place were a new design, Stephen Ridgeways Sedici 02, and John Shorrock with another Britpop 29. Dick Jobbins with a Merlo came fourth, following his second place last year.
All contestants were very well behaved with penalty turns for infringements being done promptly and usually without any reminders being needed. A strong contingent of Frensham MYG members was there - some sailing and some helping with the race administration - especially noteworthy being John Haine's PC skills with the MYA race management system, which worked flawlessly producing results and current placings within moments of the end of each heat.
The 22 sailors came from twelve clubs, and enjoyed a cream tea and prize-giving at the end of the day.