Graduate Open Meeting at Sutton-in-Ashfield Sailing Club
by Stewart Eaton 27 May 2002 15:17 BST
Heavy rain and a lack of wind greeted the seven entrants at the Sutton-in-Ashfield SC Graduate open meeting on 26 May. Fortunately, conditions improved for the first race, allowing some close racing throughout the fleet. Tim Hand and John Moore won, from David and Sandra Wilson and Stewart Eaton and Clare Pritchard third.
The second race was held back-to-back, and the competitors' enthusiasm got the better of them at the gun, resulting in a general recall. The restart saw a very different situation, with the entire fleet late over the line. The race was again won by Hand from Wilson, with David and Nick Hammond taking third.
After lunch (and more rain), the third race started in shifty conditions, producing a reaching start. This caused the fleet to become well spread out. Hand again led the procession at the finish, from Hammond and Wilson.
The fourth race again produced some enthusiastic starting, with Hand having to restart. He worked hard to regain the lead, with Hammond showing good speed to take second.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club |
|---|
| 1st | 2846 | Tim Hand | John Moore | Sutton-in-Ashfield SC |
| 2nd | 2882 | David Hammond | Nick Hammond | Ogston SC |
| 3rd | 2974 | Dave Wilson | Sandra Wilson | Maidenhead SC |
| 4th | 2955 | Stewart Eaton | Clare Pritchard | West Oxfordshire SC |