Racing returns to Budworth SC

by Budworth Sailing Club on 10 Mar 2012 The first racing in Budworth since 2011 commenced on Sunday, and the effect of a winter layoff was evident in the results. Fourteen boats competed in a cold, squally wind. Our one visitor, Jack Banks and Penny Jeffcoate from Dovestone SC sailng a Scorpion showed the locals how to do it, notching up two first places and one second.

Phil and Emma Hackney claimed the first race and second in the next, before succumbing to a mighty squall in the third. That squall flattened the whole fleet except for the Scorpion and Nick Devereux’ Topper, which duly finished in second place to hold third overall. Two Snipes suffered damage in the squall, but thankfully no-one was hurt. Watching from the shore, it looked like a real 'thrills and spills' day. The north westerly wind gave a slightly biased beat and a long fast broad reach down the lake, which was either very fast or very slow, depending on agility. Next weekend is probably going to be very different, with medium winds and warm sun forecast.

The new race management system had its first live outing and after a couple of initial glitches it met with everyone’s approval. Signing on is very quick and easy and race management positively relaxed. Results are available on the club website. There is also a link to 'new format' results for 2011 to show what a full season might look like. Please don’t pick up on minor points differences, the 2011 data was transcribed for testing not total accuracy!

Instructions for the sign on system were circulated last week, those are also posted on the door of the system cabinet. Instructions for the PRO system will also be posted at the club, if you are due for a duty this year do please take an opportunity between races to check the system out. It is very easy to use, but like any unfamiliar system you will need a quick guided tour.

Note that the sailing programme got slightly mixed up in the winter, the Icebreaker starts at 12:30 and there are three races.

http://www.budworthsc.org.uk/