Supernova Inland Championship at Blithfield Sailing Club

Cliff Milliner wins the Supernova Inland Championship at Blithfield © BSC

The Supernova Inland Championships was held on the weekend of the 14th Sept at Blithfield SC.

Saturday saw a windier than expected start to the first race, with Alex Horlock winning the pin end and leading the way from a tight pack of Gibson, Bigg, Workman. These five pulled away, and as the wind dropped off the RO shortened course at one on the windward legs, this caught out Milliner dropping from third to sixth. It was a tight finish with the Race going to Horlock, then Young and Gibson.

Race 2. The wind was still dropping, Gibson, Milliner and Steve Hawley sailed into more pressure from the pin end and lead the way to the top mark. This was followed by a long slow run the entire length of the reservoir enabling Young to pull through back to fourth. The RO took pity and finished the fleet after only one lap with the order unchanged.

Race 3. The pin end looked good again but as the wind veered Hawley and Milliner showed how to sail yourself to the very back of the fleet, eventually ending up almost last by then bottom mark whilst being joyfully serenaded by Bolton's Frank McMullen. The leaders were so far away I have no idea what happened but I know it was slow going and again a very tight finish. Local sailor Phil Mason took the win from Gibson and Horlock, with Young losing out several places right on the line. This left Gibson at the top over night with a very consistent 3,1,2.

The class held their AGM and Blithfield laid on a lovely meal followed by some entertaining drinking games.

Next day an early start saw a nice building breeze with the RO setting a great course that gave opportunities for close racing.

Race 4. Milliner and Flitcroft broke away to lead at the top Mark. After much discussion at the next mark Flitcroft went the wrong side and had a long way to return. Milliner pulled away in a big gust on the reach for the win as the pack fought for positions behind. As they crossed the line 2-4 were all together, with Gibson grabbing second from Young on the line and Richard Lambert from Boughbeech having a great race to come in fourth.

Race 5. Milliner again popped out of the pack up the middle of the beat and held a nice lead, followed by the pack. There were lots of opportunities to gain and lose as the wind shifted around in the large gusts. Young and Biggs closed right up on Milliner at the last bottom mark and made the last beat a leg busting tussle. As the RO moved the committee boat for the finish it was Milliner who chose the right end of the line just piping Young and Biggs.

Race 6. A big left shift on the first beat meant the port end starters lead there way around. There was a tight group of Young, Horlock, Gibson, Hawley. With Milliner back in the pack. Young and Horlock pulled away having their own close battle with the pack chasing hard. Milliner caught a nice shift on the left of the last beat to close right up on the battle at the front and managed to sail very low on the reach to split the pair. Again, the finish was very tight with just metres in it. Young took the win from Milliner then Horlock.

With Young and Milliner tied on 12 points it was Milliner who took the title from Young courtesy of having one more race win, with Gibson in third, Horlock fourth and Biggs fifth. Everyone had a great weekend sailing and with every race going down to the wire, the closeness of the racing shows the competitive nature of the class.

Thanks to Phil Mason and all his duty team at Blithfield for putting on a great championship.

Overall Results:

Silver Fleet winner - Phil Mason (7th overall)
1st Lady – Ellen Clancy (18th overall)
1st Mk1 – Clive Brown (17th overall)
1st Master – Mike Gibson
1st Veteran – Tom Chadfield