DF95 Autumn Series event 3 at East Kent Radio Sailing Club

DF95 Autumn Series event 3 at Barton's Point © Peter Jackson

Little wind was forecast but nine boats showed for the return to East Kent's Conningbrook Lakes Ashford venue after a few months break for weed. All were soon reminded of the effect of the surrounding tall trees.

In race one Peter Jackson crept away to a full leg lead, then parked in a hole as Alan Hounsell then Adrian Tomlinson sailed by. But setting the tone for the day places reversed again on the last leg, Peter taking the first of 3 race wins, from Adrian and Alan. Nobody else scored more than 2 wins all day. In race 2 it was Peter Glover who found the right shifts to win from Adrian with Mike Brand 3rd.

The wind kept threatening to settle to a predictable pattern then failing hopelessly with big unpredictable holes. Adrian scored his first win in race 3 then Mike then got his two wins in turn. Peter Jackson suffered from give way boats not giving way, scoring 6, 8, 6. Rob Maunder took 2nd in race 3 with Alan Hounsell 3rd. Then Robert Owens started a comeback from 7, 5, 5 on his first visit to Conningbrook with a 2nd in race 4 ahead of Ralph Wilkinson. Peter Glover & Rob Maunder, also a newbie at this venue, completed the podium in race 5.

Peter Jackson drifted round the race 6 millpond for his 2nd win. Alan Hounsell & Rob Owens left Adrian & Mike in the doldrums to fill the podium. Peter also led race 7 before power failure, Adrian taking the win from Rob Owens, now getting some luck, then Mike. Peter Jackson again recovered for his 3rd win, from Adrian & Rob Owens. Positions were now very close with Adrians nose in front but all to play for right down the fleet in the last race. Rob Owens at last got a race win, from Mike and Peter.

Adrian had clung to 4th to take the event by 2 points from Mike. Robs win at last gave him an event podium; 3rd by one place from Peter. Alan was 5th ahead of a tie for 6th, Peter Glover getting it on countback as Ralph had taken on race officer after battery issues. The wind didn't use either of the two directions suiting Conningbrook so all look forward to returning to Barton's Point, next week's venue, where only the café affects the wind.

DF95 Autumn Series event 3 Results:

1. Adrian Tomlinson
2. Mike Brand
3. Rob Owns
4. Peter Jackson
5. Alan Hounsell
6. Peter Glover
7. Ralf Wilkinson
8. Rob Maunder
9. Martin Hill