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Comet open meeting at Cransley Sailing Club

by Nigel Austin 18 Jul 2021 15:38 BST 11 July 2018
Comet open meeting at Cransley © Helen Britton

On Sunday 11th June 2021 we hosted the Comet Open (as we have done for annually for many years) but this years was wonderful on so many levels.

We had 20 entrants, including all the Comets we have at the club, out on the water (12 of them). Those who have Comets and couldn't sail let others borrow them - thank you that was extremely kind. Those who sailed were all there to enjoy, savour and learn from the experience.

Our visitors absolutely loved it (I think!), helped many of you rig and tweak your boats - this was the biggest turnout of boats at an Open for a little while on the national circuit I suspect!

We had Andy Simmons, the boat builder of the Comets and Comet Duos here on Saturday and Sunday, enthused and helping folk (as well as having a few words).

We had wonderful food prepared by many of you and served by many of you. We had a happy duty officer and assistant in a wonderful new Duty Hut, ably helped by a relaxed Safety crew. The reservoir was as weed free as it could be, thanks to those who have tirelessly prepared

The racing on the water was 99.9% of the time competitive but hugely friendly with lots of banter! Everyone gained something from the day - and the Cransley spirit lives on!

Nearly forgot the results and the sailing conditions - well the latter was Force 0-2 mainly with very occasional tasters of stronger stuff, and two folk slugged it out in close combat for the top honours (Bob Dobbs and Eddie Pope). Whilst the rest of us watched as they sailed into the sunset, we all had alternating happy and not-so-happy moments as the variability of the winds at Cransley kicked in big time. I think if there had been a fourth race Andy and Annette would have been up a little higher.

There were very few who didn't do all three races, even though the Euros Final was on in the evening. We even had Gary from Emberton SC turn up just for a look, and we persuaded him (although he didn't need much) to jump in a boat, and now we hear he is 99% likely to buy one (possibly new!).

Great day, top sailing and we hope that we see all (and a few more next year).

Overall Results:

PosSail NoHelmClubR1R2R3Pts
1st869Bob DoddsCMYC1‑212
2nd377Eddie PopeOSC‑2123
3rd875Nigel AustinCSC33‑66
4th323Annette WalterWGCSC‑6639
5th597Ben PalmerBWSC‑5459
6th126Alan BennettSHSC45(DNC)9
7th433Andy DaleESC‑77411
8th875bTom ChapmanCSC‑98715
9th718Sarah AustinCSC8‑9816
10th724Rhiain BevanCSC1010‑1120
11th845Nigel FernSHSC11‑151021
12th827Julie AvesCSC1211‑1423
13th715Jane TownsendCSC‑1616925
14th43Gretta DaviesCSC‑14131225
15th423Georgie HindeCSC‑13121325
16th718bGary HoganEPSC1514(DNC)29
17th218Sophie GuyettCSC‑18181533
18th18John TownsendCSC1717(DNC)34
19th388Tim FawkesCSC(DNC)201636
20th64Cave EllsonCSC1919(DNC)38

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