Javelin Open at Carsington Sailing Club

The Javelin sailors are a happy bunch, and despite a forecast which predicted little breeze, eight turned up at Carsington in Derbyshire in the glorious sunshine. Unfortunately, the Saturday forecast was accurate, maybe even a little optimistic, as the boats launched onto a glassy pond.

The first race started in a couple of knots of breeze and the super lightweight crew of Kathryn and Fraser made the most of the trying conditions. The race seemed long and the fleet scattered and contracted depending on who had some personal wind at the time. I guess we've all been there! Rob steering Nick's boat stayed near the front and by the finish was in second with Richard and Sebastian in third. Meanwhile Matthew and Ian were having a good race until the Matthew's lip got in the way of a flying spinnaker pole end, The dazed helmsman just managed to steer the boat to the finish. Many competitors were thankful the race committee decided that was enough for the day and we packed up, hoping the better forecast for Sunday would materialise.

Race two started in a surprising amount of wind. During the start sequence the breeze arrived, very patchy and shifty but for ninety minutes the fleet experienced a force 2-3.Rob and Nick made it first to the windward mark followed by Cliff and Andy, both of whom had worked the left-hand side. Rounding the buoy Cliff and Andy set for the tight reach that had replaced the run due to the shifting wind, moving them ahead of Rob and Nick who were late to gybe. The shift meant that the race became processional. Ben and Joel and Kathryn and Fraser also made it past Rob and Nick and that's how this short race finished.

The increased presssure and changing direction meant much mark shifting for race three. Perhaps surprisingly the wind remained force 2-3. Cliff and Andy headed right from the start and worked that side; the rest of the boats went mostly left. At the windward mark Cliff and Andy rounded first followed closely by Ben and Joel, the course held true this time and this is how it finished with Kathryn and Fraser in third.

Round four saw the wind evaporate again and boats found individual zephyrs to carry them up and down the standings. Kathryn and Fraser aced this race, Eddy and Neil drifted into second and Rob and Nick sailed a clever looping final leg to come in third.

The fleet must thank the race officers for their patience and course setting in a breeze that was extremely light and/or extremely unpredictable. Carsington were great hosts and thanks to everyone who helped make it such a good weekend.

Kathryn and Fraser were deserving winners, sailing consistently well, Cliff and Andy were second. Ben and Joel were a close third which made their trip back to Suffolk more enjoyable.

Overall Results: