Swordfish Open at West Riding Sailing Club

by Alan Beecham 29 May 2001 12:48 BST

The 26th-28th May saw 11 Swordfish race for the West Riding Rose Bowl at their Spring Bank Regatta. Saturday brought welcome sunshine but light and fluky winds. The light zephyrs picking up individual boats while former front runners were left wallowing. The zephyrs finally disappeared and race two was postponed. That evening the fleet enjoyed the club's hospitality.

Sunday brought a very gusty force 3/4 which provided some challenging sailing. The fleet worked hard throughout the day with very close racing. Seven different boats led at some time during those three races. Then the postponed race two was sailed. Thankfully, conditions eased slightly for the fourth race of the day. That evening a tired fleet again enjoyed the club's hospitality.

On Monday the winds steadily increased to the top of force four. The closeness of the racing meant the minor places were not settled until the final part of the final race, but after 35 years of trying Alan Padgett crewed by son James proved worthy winners of the Rose Bowl with four wins and a second counting. All agreed that this regatta had provided the closest and most exciting sailing the fleet had enjoyed for a long time.

Overall Results:

Pos	Sail No	Helm	Crew	Club	Pts
Half Model Trophy
1st	207	Alan Padgett	James Padgett	WRSC	6
2nd	140	Phil Thomson	Jackie Thomson	WRSC	9
3rd	202	Ted Farrance	Ron Walls	WRSC	10
4th	219	Peter Limebear	Katie Limebear	WRSC	18
5th	169	Mike Wallace	Clare Green	WRSC	25
6th	172	Phil Allen	Bryan Ruston	HSC	25