Birmingham Open

19th July 2014

Birmingham Model Yacht Club

report by Mike Stevenson

Birmingham Footy Open 19th July 2014
Well, we just about got away with it weather wise. The forecast was pretty dire with possible thunderstorms but the worst we had was moderate to heavy rain for the first couple of hours. The wind was pretty variable - starting off force 2-3 easterly but then late morning becoming very shifty and occasionally becalming the fleet. This carried on through the afternoon session so races were reduced to one lap and latterly the course was shortened. Even so only 14 races were completed.
The winner Phil Tyler added an international element to the completion by sailing under the Swiss Flag (he's resident there). He gave an impressive display with a beautifully turned out and balanced boat. Peter Shepherd and David Wilkinson sailed very consistently to finish 2nd and 3rd.
OOD Robin Webb kept things nicely under control, Graham Saunders called the line and the buoy and rescue boat was manned by Mark Litherland and Allan Coleman. Superb cakes supplied by Sue Tite and Mark Unitt. Robin's daughter Jacky, a very accomplished artist on a visit from New Zealand, produced three lovely watercolour paintings of the sailing which were offered as prizes in addition to mugs.