Border Counties at Shropshire Sailing Club

On Tuesday 16th June, Shropshire Sailing Club welcomed twenty sailing dinghies to the third event of the Border Counties Midweek Series. These included three from the home club, the remainder travelling from ten other clubs located in the Border Counties of England and Wales.

Startline in the Border Counties at Shropshire Sailing Club - photo © Brian Herring

Race 1

Following a briefing at 10.30, the fleet started their first race promptly at 11.00. Andy Todd (Bala SC) sailing his RS100 8.4 made the most of his boat's speed and performance reaching the windward mark first, thereafter, using his asymmetric to extend his lead throughout the race. The small mere suited the Comets, Streakers,Supernovas and Solos very well, keeping them bunched together with some very competitive sailing in the shifty wind conditions.

1st Dave Turtle (Comet 815), 2nd Pete Coop (Streaker 2177) and 3rd Darren Nield (Solo 5849). Although Andy created a lot of distance in his RS100 from the others, he was pushed to 4th on corrected timing.

Darren Nield during the Border Counties at Shropshire Sailing Club - photo © Brian Herring

Race 2

Following lunch, race 2 starting at 1.00pm. During the first windward leg the gentle breeze dropped to calm resulting in nearly everyone becoming stranded at the windward mark, trying to capture whatever breaths of wind that appeared. Good fortune and sailing allowed Garry Butterfield (Supernova 1184) and Pete Coop (Streaker 2177) to break away before the other boats were able to extricate themselves by picking up some light airs.

Only two laps were completed because of the light airs continuing to confound everyone for the next seventy minutes or so.

1st Double handed boat in the Border Counties at Shropshire Sailing Club - photo © Brian Herring

A great example of cover tacking by Darren Nield and Lee Nankervis in their Solos was enjoyed as they strived to out-sail each other from the leeward mark up to the finish line. It resulted in their boats crossing the line together with an elapsed time of 48 minutes, 54 seconds.

1st Dave Turtle (Comet 815), 2nd Darren Nield (Solo 5849) and Lee Nankervis (Solo 5600), with 4th going to Pete Coop (Streaker 2177) on corrected timing.

Border Counties at Shropshire Sailing Club - photo © Brian Herring

Race 3

Unfortunately, four boats found themselves On Course Side (OCS) in the final minute or at the starting gun. Rule 30.1 (Flag I) being in force throughout the day's races. With a slightly shorter course lap distance and the forecasted increased South Westerly wind arriving, boats and their crews enjoyed thirty minutes or so of excellent racing.

1st Dave Turtle (Comet 815), 2nd Darren Nield (Solo 5849), 3rd Garry Butterfield (Supernova 1184) on corrected timing. Home sailor, Lee Nankervis missing out and gaining a 4th by four seconds.

Dave Turtle wins the Border Counties at Shropshire Sailing Club - photo © Brian Herring

On behalf of Shropshire SC and Commodore Mrs. Anna Nankervis, prizes were presented by Mr. John Ridgers to:

• 1st Dave Turtle (Comet 815) from Shustoke SC
• 2nd Darren Nield (Solo 5849) from Elton SC
• 3rd Pete Coop (Streaker 2177) from Nantwich SC
• 1st Double handed boat: Simon and Julie Dolman (Miracle 4011) from Shotwick SC
• 1st Home boat: Lee Nankervis (Solo 5600) from Shropshire SC
• 1st Junior boat: Thomas Walker (ILCA 6 Radial 132365) from Nantwich SC

So why not come and join our friendly Tuesday club it's better than being in work!

If you want any information about the series then see our website, bordercountiesmidweeksailing.wordpress.com

Overall Results: