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Cheddar Steam Open
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Another fun & friendly days sailing with our friends at Cheddar Steam, the conditions didn't look to promising at the start of racing with very light airs and just a wisp of wind, shifting at times through 180 degrees for the early races. John Burgoine (Ice, 35) was his usual imperious self in these conditions with Peter Shepherd (Fat Boy, 65) keeping him honest with a string of good results in the later half of the morning's ten races. Doug Penman (Fat Boy Slim, 12) and Peter Jackson (Ibex, 30) were often in the hunt taking a win a piece and pushing the leaders all the way. The mid fleet battle this time consisted of Keith Bell (Ibex, 95) and Keith Parrott (ICE, 31) and headed by David Wilkinson (ICE, 46) these were joined by two local skippers Andy Kirkup (Fat Boy Slim, 06) and Norman Andrew (Fat Boy Slim, 60) all of whom were within shouting distance of each other at the break. Sadly Colin Robertson (Ice, 70) was a little off the pace and Brian Issac (Breithorn, 61) retired very early on.
The wind shifted, filled in and enabled a more consistent course to be set for the ten race afternoon session, John B (35), consolidated his lead early on and when Peter S (65) came back at him as these two resorted to match racing each other keeping a wary eye on the others position during each race, some good fun battles then ensued alas Peter S's stronger finish was a little too late, leaving John Burgoine as a deserved champion.
Early afternoon saw Doug P (12), putting some good scores on the board, however he was somewhat hampered by the higher ones later on despite a victory in race 18. Peter J (30) consistency won through to take 3rd place. The middle order sorted itself out into David Wilkinson (46), Keith Bell (95) and Keith Parrott (31), hot on their pintles were the Cheddar Steam duo of Norman Andrew (60) and Andy Kirkup (06). I suspect that no one was more surprised than Norman himself when he left the rest of the fleet in his wake and took a runaway victory in race 17 proving that when you get it right you can beat even the most experienced skippers, who applauded him home as he crossed the line.
Thanks to our hosts Cheddar Steam for putting on another most enjoyable event and for the efforts of all your crew especially Kevin and Brian in the preparation and on the day it is much appreciated by all who took part.
A slight alteration to calendar dates looks on the cards with the Birmingham Open likely to take place on the 21st July instead of the currently published date, more news on that will be sent via Mail Chimp shortly.
Early afternoon saw Doug P (12), putting some good scores on the board, however he was somewhat hampered by the higher ones later on despite a victory in race 18. Peter J (30) consistency won through to take 3rd place. The middle order sorted itself out into David Wilkinson (46), Keith Bell (95) and Keith Parrott (31), hot on their pintles were the Cheddar Steam duo of Norman Andrew (60) and Andy Kirkup (06). I suspect that no one was more surprised than Norman himself when he left the rest of the fleet in his wake and took a runaway victory in race 17 proving that when you get it right you can beat even the most experienced skippers, who applauded him home as he crossed the line.
Thanks to our hosts Cheddar Steam for putting on another most enjoyable event and for the efforts of all your crew especially Kevin and Brian in the preparation and on the day it is much appreciated by all who took part.
A slight alteration to calendar dates looks on the cards with the Birmingham Open likely to take place on the 21st July instead of the currently published date, more news on that will be sent via Mail Chimp shortly.
