Bough Beech Sailing Club Icicle Open Series turns fast and furious
by Don Buckle 17 Jan 2019 08:27 GMT
13 January 2019
After two Sundays of very different weather the competition has been keen in both the conventional and classes. 21 visitors from clubs all round the South East have joined a big Bough Beech turnout for this annual event.
Day one was blessed with light winds to get the event going with 49 boats on the start line of the conventional fleet. In contrast on day two, the westerly built steadily and not all who started were able to see the day out. The afternoon's frequent F6 gusts gave some fast and furious reaches.
At this stage of the open series the conventional fleet is led by John Clementson and Mel Titmus in their Wayfarer with another Wayfarer, a Finn, and two Solos in the first five places.
The asymmetric fleet has nineteen entrants. While the first day was a little too quiet for some, last Sunday's the high winds on the windward leeward course provided spectacular sailing for both competitors and spectators alike.
After four races the leaders are Richard and Ian Hudson in their 2000 from the home club holding a narrow lead from three RS200s and an RS400.
The club race management, onshore assistants, club house facilities and galley continue to reinforce the excellent reputation of this event.