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 [Osprey results 2011] |
Osprey
Open Meeting 2012 An excellent turnout of 21 boats with boats from both the Scottish borders and Cornwall and most points between. This was a record turnout for some years and with several of the regulars unavoidably absent has scope for further growth. Several boats had stayed over from the previous weeks training with Jim Hunt of HD sails. Thanks from Blithfield for all visitors making that extra effort. Boats were launched and were greeted by an increasing breeze. Clearly the weatherman was on holiday as the forecast light winds were never seen. OOD Bill Watson and his experienced team got the first race got off to a good start , despite the wind changing direction frequently. Kenny Brown and Chris Butters rounded the windward mark first followed by Gareth Cauldwell and Jon Gibbons and Viola and Mike Scott.. Kenny had problems with his spinnaker (should we have edited that bit Kenny!) allowing Gareth and Viola to get past. Place changes carried on through out the race showing the depth of skill in the fleet. At the finish Martin Clooney and Peter Frith from Poole were 1st followed by Gareth and Jon and third Viola and Mike from Kielder. The sailing conditions remained the same for the second race. After a general recall the fleet got away to a good start with the wind gusting to thirty mph which gave the spectators some thrilling sailing to watch. Boats were changing places throughout the race.First over the finish line was Will and George Odling in their 35 year old boat, 2nd Martin and Peter 3rd Mark Weston and Simon Hawkes from Filey/Wimbleball. Race 3 saw Mikes Pickering and Priddle beat Gareth and Jon with Martin and Peter 3rd.. The Saturday evening traditional Blithfield feast was run by the hard working and efficient team to the normal very high standard. Nick Broomhall sourced the wonderful beer and also the ticket checking/ security team - his two kids . We know it's the same in most sailing club galleys but thanks again for three days hard work !. Racing was still a priority ,with some crews being seen to swap the Holdens for orange juice!. Race 4 on Sunday got away in brighter conditions , to a good start . The wind increased with some very big gusts . First to the finish were Martin and Peter , 2nd Mike Pickering and Mike Priddle with Paddy Lewis and Peter Greig from Datchet/Cornwall third. After a general recall in race 5 the black flag was used by the race officer which got the fleet away cleanly. At the windward mark Gareth was 1st followed by the Odlings, Martin and Peter and Ian McDonald and Steve Hendon The high winds made it difficult for the lighter crews to fly their spinnakers and several resorted to two sails .First across the finish line were Ian and Steve followed by Mark and Simon who just pipped Gareth and Jon into third place. Martin Cooney and Peter Frith were Welsh and Midlands Champions. by our roving reporters Ian McDonald and Keith Gibbons.
5 races, 4 to count. |
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