DF95 M&S Travellers Event 2 for the ASH Trophy at Guildford Model Yacht Club

Guildford MYC hosted this event at Frensham Pond as their Abbey Meads lake is no longer suitable through the action of vandals. A fleet of 14 entries had some fantastic racing in limit A rig conditions with big waves and a strong NE wind which was variable in both strength and direction.

A simple windward leeward course with a windward mark and spacer and a leeward gate providing very testing conditions for the lightweight DF 95s. In the first race it was doubtful whether A rig was the right rig as there was a considerable amount of chaos particularly at the windward mark where difficulty in tacking led to lots of contact and downwind many went out of control in the strongest gusts. Race 1 was won by Jim La Roche with Peter Copsey second and Martin Crysell third.

A cracking start by Nigel Barrow 54 during the DF95 M&S Travellers Event 2 for the ASH Trophy at Guildford Model Yacht Club - photo © Roger Stollery

Race Officer Roger Stollery brought the windward mark closer to the control area, which helped to judge boat and mark relationships better. Peter Copsey on both Races 2 and 3 with Barrie Martin and Jim La Roche second respectively. From then on Nigel Barrow, who had got his trim sorted gave a masterclass, which was marvellous to watch by winning every race except Race 8, which was won by Martin Crysell.

For the most part competitors behaved themselves and did their IRSA Short Penalty turns without being called by the observers.

DF95 M&S Travellers Event 2 for the ASH Trophy at Guildford Model Yacht Club - photo © Roger Stollery

After 4 hours racing the wind started to die, batteries started to run down and the competitors and race officials alike were getting tired and were pleased to be able to to pack up.

At the prize-giving thanks were given to Keith Parrott who set up this event with the full-size club, boat man John Millward and Roger Stollery for creating a superb event, which was great fun and enjoyed by everyone.

Overall Results:

1. Nigel Barrow, Datchet Water Radio Sailing, 20pts
2. Jim La Roche, Datchet Water Radio Sailing, 50pts
3. Barrie Martin, London MYC, 62pts
4. Guy Knight, Gosport MYC, 65pts
5. Paul Tickner, Guildford MYC, 72pts
6. Martin Crysell, Guildford MYC, 74pts
7. Peter Copsey, Gosport MYC, 86pts
8. Richard Calas, Gosport MYC, 91pts
9. Richard Gooderick, Gosport MYC, 99pts
10. Alan Viney, Guildford MYC, 108pts
11. Mike Barnes, Hampton Court MYC, 116pts
12. Mike Wilkie, Hampton Court MYC, 117pts
13. Ed Thorburn, Newhaven & Seaford SC, 133pts
14. John Haine, Frensham Pond SC RSG, 145pts

Nigel Barrow receiving his prize from RO Roger Stollery during the DF95 M&S Travellers Event 2 for the ASH Trophy at Guildford Model Yacht Club - photo © Roger Stollery