Flying Fifteen Open at Dovestone Sailing Club

Dovestone Flying Fifteen Open © Nik Lever

Great weather, warmth, sun and good winds ensured an enjoyable weekend sailing for all competitors at the Dovestone Open Meeting, the final event in the Northern Travellers Series.

Bacon (and vegi) butties in the morning fuelled the competitors for the endeavours. 5 Races were programmed for the weekend. On Saturday the northerly breeze provided challenging beats for the length of the reservoir and good long return runs.

In the first race 3805 (Graham and Chris Massey), had a perfect start towards the port end of the line to lead at the first mark. Throughout the race they were gradually hauled in by 4005 (Andrew McKee and Rich Jones), who just managed to achieve an inside overlap at the last mark and snatch first place at the finish. 4065 (David McKee and Mal Hartland), came 3rd. 3332 (Tim Allen and Iain McNeill), scored a 4th followed by 3733 (Michael and Sarah Harris of B&FYC).

Dovestone Flying Fifteen Open - photo © Nik Lever

A prompt turnaround for the second race saw 4065 lead at the first mark from 4005, but after splitting gybes on the first run 4005 gained the lead to take another win. 3332 had another strong race to finish 2nd. The classics 2125 (Gavin Cassidy and Anne Webb), and 496 (Rod Rowlands and Alice Morris) did well and posted 5th and 6th places.

After a break for a substantial afternoon tea and scones, the final race on Saturday got under way. 3805 again started well, although they were chased down by 4005 and 4065. A tight finish at the line between 3732 (Ian and Val Hockey B&FYC), a second ahead of the silver 3332, resulted in a reversal of their positions on handicap.

The club volunteers provided a mouth-watering array of culinary delights all weekend. On the Saturday night we had a party with a great meal including a tagine with all the trimmings. This was followed by the 'World Ice Cube Curling Championships'. 7 teams fought out a spectacular competition that was eventually won by the scratch team "Happy Quimpers", a team of DSC supporters at the recent FF Euro's in Morgat.

World Ice Cube Curling Championships held during the Dovestone Flying Fifteen Open - photo © Nik Lever

Sunday dawned with more sun and more butties. The wind had shifted to the west and a new course was set that included two beats and 2 offwind spinnaker legs. In the 4th race 4065 lead to the first mark but, after various tactical manoeuvres by both boats, resulted in position changes. 4005 gained the lead and held this to the finish. 2125 continued their good form with a 4th place. 496 banked another 6th place.

The final race was a continuation of the story of the event with 4005 and 4065 battling it out at the front, again going in favour of 4005 who completed their clean sweep. 3805 had another strong race to finish 3rd followed by 3732. Close finishes meant that the boat handicaps came strongly in to play with good results for the classic and silver boats overall.

After a delicious lunch time spread of Fajitas and loaded nachos, the Open and Travellers series prizes were awarded.

Dovestone Flying Fifteen Open (l-r) Tim Allen, Iain McNeill, Michael Harris, Andrew McKee, Rich Jones, Chis Massey, Ian Hockey, Anne Webb, David McKee, Mal Hartland crouching Sarah Harris, Val Hockey, Graham Massey - photo © Nik Lever

Overall Results: