D-Zero Open at Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club

D-Zero Open at Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club © Claire Power

A bright and breezy day met the four visitors and eight locals for the early Open meet, some locals put off by the breeze and maybe the lack of heat in the sun, however the rest persevered and were quickly delivered to the race area courtesy of a healthy NE breeze. Yet again this was held with the Finn fleet, another sizeable fleet at Slipper and boosted by some Hayling locals who beat up the harbour to meet us.

R1 got under way, and Valentine rocketed off the line, chased hard by Cockerill and Tweedle and unusually Southwell behind. Some interesting shifts up to the first mark, however dealt with nicely by Valentine who was relishing in the breeze and feeling his winter fitness was paying off. Cockerill worked hard on lap 2 and overtook Valentine on the reach with Tweedle pushing closely behind. Simon Boylin was overeager at the start and took an OCS. Ian Patrick from Bough Beech was also doing well and keeping the locals honest and battling with ESC sailor Max Jones.

D-Zero Open at Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club - photo © Claire Power

R2 and the wind hadn't changed though still some big shifts catching a couple of sailors unaware as they waited between races and gave them a cold bath. Southwell made a good getaway chased by Valentine, with Cockerill and Tweedle in contention with Southwell leading to the finish, though Cockerill and Valentine got headed as they came into the finish and Tweedle tacked and jumped them both within a second of each other. Stewart and Bedford had some good battles on the way round though Stewart took 5th just ahead.

R3 and a couple of sailors decided enough was enough and headed back again after doing some circuits of their D-Zero's caught out again by the shifts, and a warm bath was in order. It was not warm despite the sun. Valentine keen to make amends for the last race shot out of the blocks, Cockerill was caught off guard at the pin end with a shift and just managed to sail by on his side past the pin without touching with Bedford for company. Valentine took the first rounding with Tweedle hot on his heels and charging off down the reach dodging the yacht and the nav marks that ran in perfect alignment with the 2nd mark. Plenty of moves and counter moves as they ran down to complete the lap. Valentine worked the shifts hard on the next beat though Tweedle managed to overtake on the reach and hold onto the win. Cockerill and Southwell followed closely.

D-Zero Open at Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club - photo © Claire Power

Final race and plenty of tired sailors though warmed by plenty of activity around the course, and mentally keeping tabs on the shifts. Valentine was on form again in the breeze and led the first lap, though Cockerill was working his magic on the next beat, with Southwell chasing Valentine for 2nd and 3rd, though Valentine managed to hold him off to the finish. Tweedle must have made an unusual error as was being hounded by another ESC sailor Max Jones though held on. Not many seconds between all positions, showing how close the racing was, and how the D-Zero's performed in some big breeze. A hard close haul to the club wasn't welcomed though gave a few to chat on what could have been and have a few laughs on the way back.

D-Zero Open at Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club - photo © Claire Power

RO Mark Riddington presented the glassware and wine prizes from Emsworth Slipper to the top 5 overall - 1st Adam Cockerill, 2nd Gareth Tweedle on countback from Valentine, 3rd David Valentine, 4th Tom Southwell and 5th Sam Bedford both from LOSSC.

Overall Results: