The fleet got away to a clean start in light shifty conditions for the first race and soon Bob Dodds sailing 869 was pulling away from the fleet. The course was roughly a figure of eight around five marks with one leg having been planned as a beam reach along the whole lake. A significant shift however meant the first two boats, which had pulled well clear, had to put in short tacks to make the mark. Those behind had various luck with the wind, some making the mark whilst others had to put in a tack. This resulted in a large number of place changes. The wind direction changed several times and varied from about 8 mph to nothing and the race was shortened to 4 laps. Bob Dodds finishing first followed by two more visitors, Chris Robinson (867) and Tim Higgs (849).
After lunch two races were held back to back and by the time race two started the wind had filled in a little and settled down in direction. A new course was set involving six marks but again a rough figure of eight. In race two Chris Robinson rounded the windward mark in the lead closely followed by Bob Dodds and Tim Higgs. At mark 3 of the course Bob decided to take the windward side of our largest island group which was a much longer way to the next mark and he lost a lot of ground and was in the middle of the pack at the next mark. Race two finished with Chris Robinson in the lead followed by Tim Higgs who beat Bob Dodds by less than a boat length.
Race three was held in the best wind of the day at about 9 mph and far fewer lulls. Again a clean get away by the fleet and once again the visitors showed our local sailors how it should be done. Some small changes in position took place but after four laps Chris Robinson took a commanding first place followed by Bob Dodds and you’ve guessed Tim Higgs in third.
With two wins from three Chris took overall honours with Bob and Tim taking second and third respectively. With four Ladies taking part Jenny Chuen from Nottingham SC was presented with first Lady.
Full results Comet Open Results