Chilli Dog Open Winter Series at South Cerney Sailing Club

Dogged determination and the will to win finally brought home the prize for Stephen Penfold at the culmination of the South Cerney SC 'Chilli Dog' open winter series on 25 February.

The lightweight team of Penfold crewed by Ruth Birkett (Albacore) managed to overcome the progressive personal handicapping system which tested the top of the fleet throughout the 15-race series, and gave back markers some pleasant surprises. Penfold employed pointed pre-start tactics in race 14 to ruffle the feathers of series organiser Robin Birkett (Solo), who despite a 4-minute personal handicap and a runaway mark recovered to win race 15 and secure second place overall just one point behind the winners.

Mike Weeks (Solo) shared points with visitor Richard Lymposs (Laser) who had built up a consistent set of results. The new team of Emma Johnson and Freya Adams (RS200) showed promising sailing throughout the series. Ian Priest (Laser) like Lymposs had kept his personal handicap to a minimum but added another second to his solid series results.

On the 'Chilli Dog' theme, Mexican beer was awarded to qualifiers and the coveted 'Chilli Dog Bandit'fluorescent yellow jacket to Penfold and Ruth Birkett, to general agreement that none deserved the title better. The series through January and February was a huge success for South Cerney with 45 entrants, favourable weather and close friendly competition.

Overall Results: