01/10/2022
Staunton Harold open meeting Staunton Harold Sailing Club

The event was a re run of the July date which had no wind, this time there was almost too much! It came just 4 days after the Nationals and the forecast was not favourable so this may have reduced the number of competitors. The water level was well down but still well sailable. There were 5 visitors and 2 club boats with sun all day. Race Officer Graham Watts assisted by our photographer Helen Jacks set a different course for each race with a long beat with several gybes which caused quite a few problems. 

 

In race 1 Dave Adams from Broadstairs and Neil Firth from Banbury had very close racing throughout in the windy conditions and this continued throughout the day. Dave pipped Neal in this race with Nigel Pepperdine, Staunton in 3rd with all  boats finishing.

 

In race 2 back to back Neil nearly won but capsized at the final leeward mark which allowed Dave through to win. Maybe too much pressure Neil? Matt Whitfield Tamworth was 3rd, with one retirement this time. 

 

After lunch race 3 was held with the same conditions. Dave won again but this time Nigel got a 2nd with Neil in 3rd. There was one retirement in this race.

 

In the final race again held back to back, Dave won for the 4th time with Neil again 2nd with Matt 3rd. There were two retirements and one non starter.

 

Dave sailed really well with 4 wins, with Neil a very close 2nd, and home club sailor Nigel on the podium in 3rd.

 

Thanks to the race team and the busy safety team for running the event.

 

Written by Alan Bennett, photos by Helen Jacks. .