DF95 Summer Series at East Kent Radio Sailing Club - Week 3

Mike Brand chasing Dave Adams round the weather mark - DF95 Summer Series event 3 at Barton's Point © Alan Houndsell

As storms hit much of the country a consistent 12 knot south westerly with sunshine was forecast for Kent. The reality differed, with 30 degree swings and shifts, and all strengths from flat patches to B rig conditions. 11 skippers turned out with Ralph Wilkinson Race Officering, Jim LaRoche leaving early and Peter Jackson course setting.

Dave Adams won race 1 from Alan Hounsell and Spencer Pope, but then Mike Brand and Adrian Tomlinson got into gear, Mike winning three on the trot then Adrian first win, but with Dave 2nd in all 5 races. Alan and Peter Jackson, finally getting his boat set up, completed the podium. An unheralded rain shower had hit to complete full meteorological menu but all continued. Peter then also finally joined in at the front end with a 1st and two 2nd places, missing another 1st by a few mm after a poor final tack.

Spencer Pope rejoined the fray with a win, then a 3rd each side of lunch, only finally getting a 2nd in race 14 of the 16. Alan was 2nd in race 10 but inconsistent from there, only getting another 3rd in race 15. Robert Owens didn't visit the top end until after lunch with 2nd in race 9, peaking with a 1st and 2nd in races 14 and 15. Peter suffered permanent receiver failure in race 9 leaving Dave, Adrian and Mike to share out the wins.

Mike Brand, Rob Owns and 38 Dave Adams in close quarters racing from the start - DF95 Summer Series event 3 at Barton's Point - photo © Alan Houndsell

Mike's early threat faded as the wind increased, getting just one more win (race12) then a string of 3,3,5,3. Adrian had now remembered how to sail after time at his French hideout and matched Dave with 3 wins in the last 8 races. Dave got two 5ths towards the end but discarded both to win the event comfortably.

Adrian and Mike were all square for 2nd on 33 points with a race to go. Adrian won it from Dave to finish 2nd overall with Mike 3rd. Spencer Pope was slightly more consistent that Alan Hounsel to hold him off for 4th. Rob Owens come-back after evidently much needed practice at port flyers was far too little too late to challenge Alan.

Top 6 Places:

1. 358 Dave Adams
2. 30 Adrian Tomplinson
3. 395 Mike Brand
4. 32 Spencer Pope
5. 380 Alan Hounsell
6. 479 Rob Owens

Adrian Tomlinson's A rig sailing away from Rob Owens' B rig in marginal conditions - DF95 Summer Series event 3 at Barton's Point - photo © Alan Houndsell