Blithfield Barrel 2022/2023 - Round 4 & Overall Series Results

The weather conditions for round 4 (race 7 and 8 of the series) of the 2022/23 Blithfield Barrel were not promising.

But the non existent wind at 0930 soon filled in with a nice steady 5-6knots breeze from SE, registering on the clubs weather station, but shifting 20 degrees all day, most annoyingly just before the start of race no.7, but the OD held his nerve, the shift fell correct and squared the line and 26 boats started together at 1200 on the nose.

Blithfield’s own Andy Couch in Phantom 1456 showed the way round with James Goss in Merlin 3814 hot on his heels, but it was Mike Senior in Raceys Rocket , a 30 year old wooden GP14 that took the 1st position on handicap.

After an excellent lunch of locally sourced , high energy sausage and mash prepared by the clubs own resident Goodyear chef de cuisine, Peter Slater, the fleet were well fortified to take on a further 2 laps of the arduous course around the reservoir set by the OD Steve Leney.

For Race 8 at 1400, the line looked good and square but one boat covered the committee boat close to with 15 seconds to go blocking the view of the OD so the other 25 competitors decided the OD wouldn't notice if they piled over the line a tad early, so a general recall was called with a restart under black flag after which the fleet were as good as gold.

This time Ian MacDonald stormed ahead in his Osprey 1285 with Jon Gibbons on the wire not to be caught, forcing Mike Senior into 2nd place with James Goss and Chris White in Merlin 3814 in 3rd place.

David Moore in Wanderer 1810 bagged some good points in previous round 2, races 3,4 with a 3rd and 1st place and a 6th position in today’s race 8 would put him in good stead in the overall rankings.

So at the end of the day, the final positions for Round 4, race 7 and 8 were;

1st GP14, 13417 -Mike Senior and Ollie Goodhead (SouthStaffs)

2nd PH , 1456 - Andy Couch (Blithfield)

3rd Merlin, 3814 -James Goss and Chris White (SouthStaffs)

And the overall results for the 2022/23 Blithfield Barrel winter series were;

1st GP14, 13417 -Mike Senior and Ollie Goodhead (SouthStaffs)

2nd PH , 1456 - Andy Couch (Blithfield)

3rd Wanderer, 1810 -David Moore and B.Taylor (Blithfield)

Congratulations to Mike and Ollie from South Staffs for back to back wins in 2021/22 and 2022/23, and we welcome them back in November to attempt 3 wins in a row with the running of the 2023/24 Blithfield Barrel winter series.

The clubs thanks go to all the members who have contributed to make the racing enjoyable for all the competitors, including today’s event;

On the Committee boat Steve on the hooter and flags with Gill and Heather noting line infringements and lap times

In the protest room (happily with nothing to do) , Bill on loan from SSSC

On Safety , Keith and Brian in RiB1 with David and Andrew in RiB2

On the Results computer, Sylvia Photographers, Alastair and Pav

In the Galley and on the tea urn and the Krupps dishwasher , Peter and Ted

The after race cakes , Gill and Karen

The bar team, Andy, Keith and Ted

Pulling it all together once again , Andy Watterson , the Rear Commodore

The Club wishes to thank its club sponsors throughout the year Krupps UK Ltd but especially Hartley boats, Richard and Mark probably the best boat builders and chandlers in Derby, for their continued support of Blithfield sailing club over many years, and their generosity throughout this series with prizes and welcomes everyone back in November for the 2023/24 Barrel, the premier winter sailing series in the Midlands.

Photo credit: Alastair Reid

Overall Series Results

Photo credit: Alastair Reid

Results from Round 4

Photo credit: Alastair Reid