Streaker Open at Alton Water Sports Centre
by Jonny Shuster 25 Apr 2009 01:00 AEST
18 April 2009
A fresh, gusty wind for the Alton Water Streaker open © Bett Simmons
A fresh force 4 gusting force 5 and sun greeted the 9 visiting boats that attended the Alton Water Open.
A very prompt start left 2 boats rushing to get to the line as the start gun went, in the midst of launching! Ian Whitfield rounded windward first followed by Jonny Shuster and Dave Shuster in 3rd. After a short run, a long and incredibly shift reach where Jonny pulled past Ian and into the lead. During the 2nd lap Dave also passed Ian but was pipped to the line on the 3rd lap by Chris Woodard who had made his way up from the back of the fleet.
An individual recall for Jonny meant that it would be catch-up this race as Chris Woodard with a great start rounded first. Followed by Ian Whitfield and Dave Shuster who promptly capsized along with son Michael, following in his dad’s footsteps. Jonny, 2nd managed to claw back Chris’ lead to 10 seconds on the line but could not challenge him, Mike Hanes coming in 3rd.
All down to the final race after lunch! Both Jonny and Chris got good starts, but Chris rounding first. Again, it was on the reach that Jonny made his pass into first. Pulling out on the last lap, Jonny took the victory, followed by Chris Woodard and Mike Hanes scoring his second 3rd of the day.
Overall Results:
1st 1664, Jonny Shuster, 2pts
2nd 1608, Chris Gillard, 3pts
3rd 1655, Mike Hanes, 6pts
4th 1660, Dave Shuster, 7pts
5th 1548, Ian Whitfield, 10pts
6th 1446, Matt Whitfield, 10pts
7th 451, Michael Shuster, 12pts
8th 1523, Ian Mansfield, 14pts
9th 1567, Alan Simmons, 18pts