DF95 Eastern District Champion Skipper Series at Huntingdon Radio Yacht Club

DF95 Eastern District Champion Skipper Series at Huntingdon © Stephen Brown

Huntingdon Radio Yacht Club welcomed 19 skippers to the club on Saturday for the DF95 Eastern District Champion Skipper Series, with competitors travelling from both within and outside the Eastern District.

The day began with a briefing and welcome from Race Officer Martin Brooking at 9.40am, before the entries were split into two fleets using the HMS fleet management system. Racing got under way at 10.00am with two seeding races.

The course was the classic Huntingdon upwind/downwind layout, incorporating a spreader and leeward gate. The early conditions were light and extremely flukey, but the breeze gradually built as the day progressed.

The club has worked hard throughout the year to keep on top of the dreaded weed that affects many sailing venues, and Huntingdon RYC has been virtually weed-free all season. There were, however, a few stray strands making an occasional appearance during the racing!

DF95 Eastern District Champion Skipper Series at Huntingdon - photo © Stephen Brown

Fleets begin to take shape

Following the two seeding races, the fleets were split into A and B, with most skippers finding themselves regularly in their expected fleet for the day, although several competitors enjoyed a fair bit of "bouncing" between the two throughout the racing.

A busy morning saw 10 heats, equating to five races, completed before lunch. And what a lunch break it was!

Competitors were treated to some excellent free cake, very kindly provided by Steve and Karen. The editor's considered opinion is that the millionaire's shortcake was probably the best millionaire's shortcake... in the world!

DF95 Eastern District Champion Skipper Series at Huntingdon - photo © Stephen Brown

Red Arrows fly-past

Shortly after lunch, competitors were treated to another Huntingdon tradition - the Red Arrows flew over en route to Duxford.

They are, as usual, very accommodating when it comes to our requests for a fly-past! The afternoon racing continued at a good pace, and with many of the club's newer skippers taking part, there was plenty of close and competitive sailing throughout the fleet.

At the sharp end, the lead was constantly changing, with Nigel Barrow and Buzz Coleman battling for the top spot for much of the afternoon. Eventually, it was Buzz Coleman who emerged victorious, finishing with an impressive 10 points.

A special mention must go to Leslie Philip from Clapham MYC, who made the somewhat torrid journey to Huntingdon using public transport. Leslie is a deaf competitor and was accompanied by Rachel, who provided signing/interpreting support throughout the day.

DF95 Eastern District Champion Skipper Series at Huntingdon - photo © Stephen Brown

It was fantastic to see everyone engaging so positively with Leslie and making him feel welcome. Leslie, you are always welcome at Huntingdon RYC chap!

The final heat finished shortly after 4.00pm, bringing a full and enjoyable day's racing to a close. A brief awards ceremony followed, with prizes presented to the top six competitors, along with the highly coveted "Trier of the Day" award to Brian Welham.

Finally, Martin thanked all the competitors for their excellent manners and sportsmanship throughout the day, and gave a huge vote of thanks to the many club members and helpers who pitched in behind the scenes to make the event such a success.

All in all, it was another fantastic day's DF95 racing at Huntingdon - competitive on the water, friendly off it, plenty of laughs, excellent cake, and even an RAF fly-past thrown in for good measure.

Thanks to everyone who travelled to join us, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon!

DF95 Eastern District Champion Skipper Series at Huntingdon - photo © Stephen Brown

Overall Results:

DF95 Eastern District Champion Skipper Series at Huntingdon - photo © Stephen Brown