(c) Marcia Carpenter
Andrew Gregory writes: The event comprises 2 handicap races for dinghies and catamarans, split into four separate fleets, based on the handicap numbers of their craft. This year the entry was down on the normal 200 boats mainly due to the recent snow and continuing wintry weather.
The forecasted wind of 15-20 knots combined with sub zero temperatures meant it was certainly not a day to capsize. The Stewartby contingent included Paul & Nicola Griffiths in their RS400, me in my Phantom, and Barney Proud sailing with Howard Astley Jones from Milton Keynes Sailing Club in a Taser.
Photograph published with the kind permission of Marcia Carpenter, www.mbcphotographyuk.co.uk
In the slow handicap fleet, Howard and Barney faced the tough task of sharing their start line with the similar paced Flying Fifteens. The square course was not completely to the liking of their boat and following some confusing adjustments to the results they finished 3rd out of 11 starters.
Paul and Nicola had an interesting day in the medium handicap category. Despite not being fully on the pace with the other 400’s, they put in a valiant effort eventually finishing 17th out of 30 starters. After the event, adrenaline junky Nicola admitted to being scared Paul was considering varying the crew’s weight ahead of next year’s event.
The single handed fleet was both tight and competitive. Following a clear start and I arrived at the first mark amongst the leaders. Unfortunately following a capsize on the gybe mark, I ended up in the main pack; this together with a further two capsizes left me racing the Blazes & finn’s for the mid-fleet results. The bigger (and heavier) Phantom sailors pressed home their advantage after lunch, leaving me about 10th at the windward mark. Despite trying to find a suitable passing lane as the wind eased, I was unable to get back into the race and again finished in the main pack. On reflection 13th out of 33 starters was a satisfactory result.
Further information on this event is available at Grafham Water Sailing Club
Well done to the four of you, it was cold watching. It was a shame it was all so far away for the four of us that came to cheer you on. Only Rosie’s young eyes could make out where any of you were!