Signet Open Meeting at Paxton Lakes Sailing Club
by Jenny Overs 15 May 2002 09:17 BST
Photo © Jenny Overs
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SigneT sailors from around the country were made very welcome by Paxton Lakes S.C., Cambs. for the first Open Meeting of the season on May 11th and 12th. Competition over the two days was extremely close fought in difficult, light, variable wind conditions, setting the scene for an exciting season
ahead.
Competing for the Les Shepherd Memorial Trophy on Saturday, Richard Cannon and Rob Britton (ST368) led the field from Roy Melsom and Don Appleton (ST749). There were strong challenges from Joyce and Frank Cowern (ST907) and John Pratt (ST872). The junior challenge was led by Michael Overs and
Mark Cowling (ST914), although all the boats were competitive throughout with many changes of position.
On Sunday, competing for the Towy Nail, Richard, this time with John Miller, again led the fleet, followed by Don and Roy (with changed helm). Junior Lizzy with Pat Overs (ST690) led the rest of the fleet. Behind that positions changed lap by lap with very little water between the fleet in
fluky airs. Juniors Sam Anderson Brown and Ben Mitchell (ST2) and Tom Field with James Conway (ST41) tussled with seasoned campaigners Keith Hatton and Mike Baker (ST858), Steve and junior crew, Jonathon Leeding (ST53) and the others in exciting racing. There was little to choose between any of them and the slightest wind shift changed things regularly and completely. As usual Paxton Lakes made the fleet extremely welcome and an enjoyable weekend (despite the lack of wind) was had by all.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | Pts |
|---|
| Saturday |
|---|
| 1st | ST368 | Richard Cannon | Rob Britton | Aquarius | 2 |
| 2nd | ST749 | Roy Melsom | Don Appleton | Wigan | 4 |
| 3rd | ST907 | Joyce Cowern | Frank Cowern | Greens Forge | 5 |
| 5th (1st junior) | ST914 | Michael Overs | Mark Cowling | Paxton Lakes | 11 |
| Sunday |
|---|
| 1st | ST368 | Richard Cannon | John Miller | Aquarius | 2 |
| 2nd | ST749 | Don Appleton | Roy Melsom | Wigan | 3 |
| 3rd (1st junior) | ST690 | Lizzy Overs | Pat Overs | Paxton Lakes | 5 |
| 4th | ST907 | Joyce Cowern | Frank Cowern | Greens Forge | 5 |