Blithfield Barrel Winter Series 2017-18 - Round 3
by Phil Mason 17 Jan 2018 06:59 GMT
14 January 2018
A gentle South to South Westerly breeze welcomed 52 boats to compete in the 3rd round of the prestigious Blithfield Barrel on Sunday 14th January. In attendance were a selection of world and national champions, you could have easily mistaken the scene as something from the Endeavour Championships, book signing was definitely on the cards. A fab day was in store for visitors and home boats alike.
Our guest PRO Steve Watson, delivered an informative and entertaining briefing, testing flag knowledge of our younger competitors, before sending the expectant crews out for a great days racing.
52 boats started the race which saw Mike Senior and Chris White take 1st place, followed by Jim Hunt and Liz Senior in 2nd, next was Andy Davis and Tom Pygall in 3rd, just in front of Nick Craig and Emma Clarke, preventing a 1,2,3 for the GP14s.
A legendary lunch awaited the competitors, giving time to warm socks and gloves before heading out for race 2. Fed and watered the fleet got away (not too cleanly!) as the breeze swung to the right before reducing in strength, changing fortunes for some. But not for Mike Senior and Chris White who proved to be a formidable pair, taking the second race to make it 2 bullets in a row. Matt Biggs and Beka Jones finished in 2nd place, effectively keeping them in 1st place for the series overall. Andy Couch finished in 3rd, piping Caroline Croft and Matt Lulham-Robinson into 4th.
After record breaking boat packing, the crews gathered to hear the results and witness the awards presented courtesy of our sponsors for round 3; Dinghtec - Dinghy & Mast Repairs & Rigging, and Freedom Brewery - Craft Brewed Lager.
Day 3 Results:
Double handers
1st - Mike Senior & Chris White - GP14
2nd - Jim Hunt & Liz Senior - GP14
3rd - Andy Davis & Tom Pygall - Merlin Rocket
Single Handers
1st - Andy Couch - Phantom
2nd - Tom Chadfield - Supernova
3rd - Julian Basset - Laser
1st Lady helm
Caroline Croft & Matt Lulham-Robinson - Merlin Rocket
1st Youth
Jamie Mason - Laser
Well done all, all is set for the finale on February 11th, why not come and experience top racing with fantastic folk. Full results can be found on the Blithfield website at www.blithfield.org.uk/barrel
Thanks to our volunteers for making our day so super; Steve Watson, John Lees and Ian Rose - OD, Iain Ferguson, Chris and Karen Luscombe and Simon Fox - safety. With Jayne Tatton assisted by Steve producing the choice of hot lunches, and Roy Jones for manning the bar (the most critical job).
See your transoms on the water on the 11th.