Mirror Open Meeting at Wigan Sailing Club

31st March 2002

This was the first open meeting of the 2002 Northern Travellers Trophy. The wind started as a light south easterly, gradually increasing as the day progressed.

Race 1: The wind was shifting off the start line and Jonathan McGovern and Emily MacKenzie came out of the early exchanges with a good lead at the windward mark. Second round were the Birrell brothers with Tim Gray and Simon Fosket in third. The order was to remain unchanged at the front but frequent place changes in the rest of the fleet saw Katie and Anna MacKenzie recovering from a late start to finish just ahead of Peter Gray and Helen Williamson. Beck Partridge and Millie Cullen were unfortunate to be still left rigging when the start sequence began but did well to catch up to have a close battle with Patrick and Emma Houlihan.

Race 2: The wind was now more southerly and had strengthened. At the windward mark Jonathan McGovern led from Nikki Birrell. Tim Gray was involved in an incident with his son Peter and had to complete a 720 degree penalty. Jonathan McGovern had built up a reasonable lead only to run aground, resulting in close racing with Nikki Birrell. Tim Gray took advantage and closed the gap, eventually finishing second. With Nikki Birrell winning it was now all down to the last race. Paul and Craig Williamson again sailed consistently to finish forth.

Race 3: Again Jonathan McGovern reached the windward mark first but the fleet were all close together. Jonathan then led the whole fleet to the wrong mark. Tim Gray was the first to appreciate the mistake and this allowed him to move from fifth into first place. Jonathan McGovern sailed an excellent beat to re-establish his lead and held on to win overall. Tim Gray completed the race second but this was not enough to prevent Nikki Birrell from finishing second overall.

Singlehanded: The single handed prize went to Mr. J.A. Dunlop (Dovestones S.C.)

Overall Results: