Craftinsure Supernova Travellers Series at Chelmarsh Sailing Club

Craftinsure Supernova Travellers Series at Chelmarsh © Nilesh Parekh

The Chelmarsh S.C. Craftinsure Supernova event took place at its picturesque 110 acre reservoir in a sometimes fickle 10 knot or often less north-west breeze and in bright sunshine. Race Officer John Dickinson and his team put on three races, each of around one hour, for the six local boats and three visitors, one travelling from Devon to our Shropshire location.

The first race was delayed until mid-day for the predicted increase in wind but a directional change in the last minute of the start caused an abandonment.

The revised line and course saw a clear all starboard tack start. Matt. Thursfield (1302 Chelmarsh) tacked and beat a contrarian path to the first mark but boats on a starboard approach were headed in the final few metres thus allowing the port arrivals of Ian Horlick (1361 RYA) to claim the lead with Duncan Cheshire (1281. Chelmarsh) and Stephen Woodhouse (1286 Chelmarsh) following.

Those three boats took a handsome lead while the rest gazed at the 360 degree turns of their burgees before rounding.

Some 'navigational errors' at the wing mark resulted in a five boat competition for leeward mark room resulting in David Bibby (1297 Chelmarsh) 'honourably' bailing out to prevent disaster.

The phoenixes rising from these ashes were Ian and Alex Reeve (1344 Burghfield). The former developing an unassailable lead and the latter an unassailable second to the finish with Matt T in third. Duncan C and David Partridge (1250 Chelmarsh) took 4th and 5th placings.

Race 2 start promised more breeze and the pin end starters were favoured off the line. Matt T was first to round the windward mark followed by Ian and Alex. In a falling breeze and a half mile run, places changed frequently between all boats.

At the already notorious leeward mark room 'battlefield' a revision of order took place with David P elevated to third position ahead of Ian and Duncan. On the next beat saw the 'hand of the Lord' reach out to Ian and provide him with a double digit lift, elevating him to into the mark well ahead and to the finish. Now followed by Alex and Matt T with Duncan and David P thereafter.

Race 3 start again saw the pin end start to be best but again the breeze filled in from the left, bringing in the port approaching fleet back into contention. Matt T rounded first, followed by Stephen, Alex and David P.

The long reach/run first two groupings were like close and neat chevrons. Stephen, Alex and Matt well ahead of the second comprising Matt Robinson (1317 Chelmarsh) Ian and Alistair Reid (1270 Blithfield). The fleet behind being more separated.

New a bit of a drifter, the lead three of Alex, Ian and Matt T were being 'wound in' by Alister, Matt R. and Duncan. The gap between the two groups rapidly disappearing.

Alex hung on to win with Ian, Matt T, David P and Stephen to follow. The positions here described in race 2 were subject to a protest.

Overall Results:

David Bibby, Events Coordinator, presents Alex Reeve with the trophy - Craftinsure Supernova Travellers Series at Chelmarsh - photo © Matt Thursfield