Boss Inland Championships at Datchet Water Sailing Club

by Peter Bennett 14 Oct 2002 15:55 BST

12/13 October 2002

Boss sailors arriving at Datchet found plenty of wind but a shortage of water. This resulted in a series of vicious gusts as the fleet completed three races on Saturday. At various points Peter Bennett and John Shelton, Chris Gandy and Richard Davison and Stuart Jones and Robin Tonge got in front, but better boat handling allowed Bennett and Shelton to finish clear ahead in all three. Gandy & Davison were next in the first race, Jones & Tonge in both the others.

Sunday started with less wind, but building throughout the day. Bennett and Shelton took a lead in Race 1, but lost out as both Jones (now with Steve Leach) and Gandy went the right way on the run. Jones and Leach sailed to a fine win in the next, followed by Gandy and then Bennett. This left all to play for in the final race. As the weather started to close in, Jones and Gandy duelled for the lead. With Bennett & Shelton back in third place, Jones and Leach looked favorites for the championship. But a capsize allowed Bennett and Shelton through to second behind Gandy and Davison. This was just enough to give them the title, as the rain started to do a good job of refilling the reservoir.

Overall Results:

Pos	Helm	Crew	Club	Pts
1st	Peter Bennett	John Shelton	Shoreham	8
2nd	Stuart Jones	Steve Leach	DWSC	9
3rd	Chris Gandy	Richard Davison	Draycote	11
4th	Steve Murray	Nick Murray	DWSC	18