15/06/2025
Bartley Open Bartley Sailing Club

Midland Series

by Colin Staite

A small but competitive fleet turned up at Bartley SC on 15th June to race in a shifty westerly force 2 breeze with a fleet of K1s.

The first race started with the K1s going first with the streakers following about 6 minutes later.  The first beat was closely fought by Colin Staite, Alan Bishop and Brian Smith, with Sam McKay a little behind after getting the wrong side of a shift.  At the windward mark Colin led with Alan and Brian close behind and Sam chasing hard to catch up.  By the second beat Colin and Alan were ahead, with Brian and Sam a bit further back.  Sam broke clear of Brian and closed with Alan and Colin to make it a three-way race for the finish.  Colin won, closely followed by Alan and Sam.

Race 2 started after lunch with Colin sneaking around the windward mark ahead of Brian, Alan and Sam.  Over the course of the race, places changed on a regular basis with Alan taking the lead for a short period.  At the finish Colin again won, with a tight finish between Alan and Sam;  Alan just beating Sam on the line after a fine last beat by Alan.

Colin and Sam chose not to start the 3rd race (Colin with a minor knee injury and Sam with a self inflicted headache).  This left Alan and Brian to race, with Colin’s boat being borrowed by a club member who is interested in the Class.  Part way through the race, with Brian leading and Alan finding a large hole on the beat, Alan chose to retire leaving Brian to win the final race.

Overall Results: