A total of 22 boats took part in this year’s Club Regatta, held on Saturday 28th August. The day promised us a F3 northerly with the chance of a shower later, but overall a pleasant sailing day. A series of rookie races for the less experienced juniors also took place.
Race officer Jon Jowett laid a good-sized course for the first championship race, using as much of the lake as possible given the wind direction. Vanda Jowett (Solo) was first over the finish line, followed by Martin Vinson (RS200), very ably crewed by wife Heidi, who had come along for a one-off fun regatta sail, yet looking as though she’d not missed a day sailing for ever! On corrected time Vanda held onto first, Nick Price (Comet) came second, and Tobias Lundkvist (Optimist) came third.
Race two was moved by popular demand to avoid the weedier end of the lake, though this made for a smaller course with what turned out to be some tight gybes, making for some challenging sailing when the wind suddenly picked up to a good F4+. Steve Jones finished first after handicap correction, with Martin and Heidi in second and Ray Bowdler (Laser) in third. Vanda retired after a terminal capsize, potentially opening up the field going into the last race.
Race three saw a reduced fleet, including Martin and Heidi who were relaxing ashore with tea and cake. Steve Jones was also absent. This left Vanda to potentially ‘seal the deal’ for the day. Mike Bean (Laser), having finished organising the junior group, competed in this race, giving Vanda a good run for her money, but finishing second.
Final Results
1st Vanda Jowett (Solo)
2nd Ray Bowdler (Laser)
3rd Nick Price (Comet)
6th Mika Colombi (Optimist) – 1st Junior
