Craftinsure Supernova Travellers at Bartley Sailing Club

Light winds for the Bartley Supernova Open © Sean Ricketts

Cliff Milliner win the Bartley Supernova Open © Sean Ricketts

Sunshine and light winds greeted the 32 competitors who turned up to race at Bartley Sailing Club for the Craftinsure travellers event. With the wind forecast to drop off throughout the day, the decision was made to run two races back to back before lunch.

All nineteen home boats and 13 travellers made their way out to the start line. No one pushed the line too hard for the first race. The sailors who went right on the first beat gained a huge advantage. There was tight racing throughout the fleet with incredible shifty conditions. Gavin Young edging out Cliff Milliner for the race win, followed by local boat Mike Gibson in third place.

The fleet was more adventurous starting race 2, resulting in the first general recall of the day. At the second attempt, the fleet got away cleanly and Cliff built a small lead that he managed to maintain in the fast dying breeze over the chasing pack of Gavin, Mike and Caroline.

After lunch, the wind became even shiftier with just zephyrs over the occasionally smooth as glass lake. This meant that the start was really important for getting clean air and resulted in another general recall! When race 3 eventually began, Mike had an excellent start, punching out to the front and leading until the penultimate leg. Unfortunately for Mike, the wind filled from behind and the whole the fleet bunched up. Everyone started to gybe to try and position themselves for the next puff of wind. Cliff pushed into the shallows along the shore, caught some breeze and sailed into the lead. This ensured he won this open meeting, winning with a scorecard of two firsts and one second.

Massive thank you to all competitors who travelled. The Class Association also thanks Bartley for hosting the event.

Prizes:

1st - Cliff Milliner
2nd - Gavin Young
3rd - Mike Gibson

1st Gold - Tony Critchley
1st Silver - Garry Butterfield
1st Bronze - Ian Frith
1st Lady - Caroline Whitehouse

Overall Results: