GAMES 1 Marblehead Open at Chipstead Sailing Club
by Dave Allinson 24 Jan 2022 17:58 GMT
15 January 2022
The fleet with Peter Crisp 57 getting the best start during the GAMES 1 Marblehead Open at Chipstead © Stuart Ord-Hume
Conditions didn't look good for competitors arriving for the first 2022 GAMES event at Chipstead on such a foggy, cold and windless morning.
There was the barest hint of a zephyr of breeze when Race Officer, Dave Allinson laid a one hundred metre windward leeward course to suit the forecast direction. Whilst the breeze remained inconsistent, a one lap practice race was held and the very efficient tall Marblehead rigs made the very best of the almost non-existent wind.
With this experience, it was decided to start the event running one lap races. Following a 180-degree wind shift, Race 1 was held with the sailors beating upwind to the South West. The racing was close with Peter Stollery edging out David Adam with Roger Stollery taking third place.
Race 2 started after another 180-degree wind shift, with a beat in the opposite direction to the North East which was won by Roger with Barrie Martin in second. Race 3 saw the breeze switch back to the South West where it remained for the rest of the day. Martin Crysell took the win followed by David Cole. Race 6 saw the breeze strengthen sufficiently to move up to two laps. David Adam was chased all the way by Peter with Barrie taking third place.
At 12.30pm all adjourned to the club house where competitors were given the usual gourmet lunch prepared by Robin Aldcroft's wife Linda who was assisted by Jayne Allinson and Robin.
Lunchtime leaderboard had Peter and David at the top tied with 12 points each, Roger with 19, and another tie for fourth and fifth between Barrie and David Cole each with 21. Peter Crisp was the best sailor of Chipstead SC Radio Sailing.
Whilst we were having lunch the weather improved on the lake and when we returned to racing to a gentle steady breeze 4-5 knots and some sun shine. The starts were mainly trouble free with only one general recall. Stuart Ord-Hume had his work cut out going to the rescue yachts which fouled the marks. Fortunately most of the yachts became free and he only had to release 2 whilst on his way to their assistance.
Race 7 saw Roger Stollery chased all the way by Peter with David Andrews claiming third place. The afternoon continued with Peter and David Adam both setting a high standard and recording good results. David Cole also had a consistently good afternoon set of results. Racing continued until Race 14 when the wind died away to nothing.
The 14 races accomplished during the event were made possible by the good behaviour of the sailors and only one general recalled start. All adjourned once again to the club house where the ladies had set out a superb choice of cakes and tea or coffee.
The prize-giving was made by Dave Allinson our club captain distributing a bottle of wine to all places down to 5th and a special prize to the junior sailor Oliver Stollery who showed signs of being a future star of the Radio Sailing fraternity with some superb starts.
A word of thanks was given by Peter Stollery for the great day and his hope that he would be racing at more major events at Chipstead in the future.
Thanks go to all those who helped, Linda and Robin Aldcroft, Jayne Allinson, Mike Lightwing, Colin Honour, Garve Mckie, Peter Crisp and special thanks to Stuart Ord-Hume for his photographs, mark placing and general duties.
Overall Results:
1st Peter Stollery (Guildford) UP 22pts
2nd David Adam (Three Rivers) GRUNGE 33pts
3rd David Cole (Hampton Court) GRUNGE 51pts
4th Roger Stollery (Guildford) UP 57pts
5th Martin Crysell (Guildford) PRIME NUMBER 63pts
6th David Andrews (London MYC) GRUNGE 69pts
7th Barrie Martin (London MYC) STARKERS 70pts
8th Peter Crisp (Chipstead) GRUNGE 75pts
9th Paul Tickner (Guildford) ROK 87pts
10th William Grant (Chipstead) PARADOX 118pts
11th Oliver Stollery (Guildford) UPROAR 125pts
12th Graham Hetem (Datchet) QUARK 133pts