Osprey Welsh and Midland Championship at Blithfield Sailing Club
by Ian McDonald 2 May 21:37 BST
27-28 April 2019
Osprey Midland and Welsh Championship at Blithfield © Angela Mamwell
A game of one half!
Competitors for the Osprey Midland and Welsh Championship at Blithfield SC in Staffordshire, were greeted by winds over 50 mph. For the club it was the 37th consecutive annual Osprey Open. If nothing else had been learned, it was when social took over from sailing. So Saturday became time to chat, catch up with friends and the odd glass of beer with the Blithfield "Osprey Ladies" providing a top quality meal until late in the evening.
Sundays conditions were perfect with a stiff breeze down the reservoir. A first beat approaching one mile and open water for the exclusive use of the class. An early 9.30am start allowed three races to be run to a good length.
Race 1 saw 2018 national champions Terry Curtis and Peter Greig win with Scottish travellers Alan Henderson and Alastair Barrie in second. The Blakes were chasing hard in third. Local boat Jon Batt and Jon Gibbons won race two with this time Alistair Reynard and Rob Burdekin chasing hard. Although the beat was a long one, downwind the fleet was compressing and racing was close throughout. The final race allowed Curtis and Greig in their older,wooden mk3 get back to the front, with the "Two Jons" in second. Another wooden boat in third was raced by Alex Willis and Jonathan Osgood.
Long serving PRO Bill Watson and his race team controlled the expected well run event. With the dreadful weather forecast,the Osprey fleet itself is thanked by the club for joining us. Travellers from Scotland, Wales and all points on the South Coast show the commitment to the class.
Blithfield looks forward to the 38th event.
Results:
1. Terry Curtis and Peter Greig, mk 3, 1234, Castle Cove
2. Jon Batt and Jon Gibbons, mk 4, 1331, Blithfield
3. Alistair Reynard and Rob Buredkin, mk 5, 1363, Carsington
4. Alex Willis and Jonathan Osgood, mk 3, 1292, Aldenham
5. Roger and Jamie Blake, mk 5, 1369, Great Moor
6. Alan Henderson and Alastair Barrie, mk 5, 1367, Prestwick