British Moth Open at Staines Sailing Club
by Mark Collyer 19 Sep 2004 19:36 AEST
18 Sept 2004
An angry Thames for the Staines British Moth open © Karen Honour
A good fleet of British Moths gathered at Staines SC, for the latest round of the Somerville Travellers Trophy Series, however the normally tranquil Thames was at its most angry, and the force six gusts were enough to keep the majority of the fleet ashore.
The first race started with Gary Tomkins from the home club taking the lead from the start followed by David Taylor from Upton Warren following on. The Commodore of the host club Dennis Miles saw his chances of glory disappear on the second lap when he capsized leaving Tomkins and Taylor with a comfortable lead, holding their positions to the line. In the second race Tomkins lead again from the start, a position he held until he too capsized and was caught by Taylor, for the rest of the race Tomkins player a desperate game of catch-up, finally catching Taylor on the line to win by less than a boats length.
With the weather worsening and the main places decided, the fleet wisely decided to call it a day and the prizes were awarded on that basis.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Boat Name | Helm | Club | Pts |
|---|
| 1st | 783 | Lappet | Gary Tomkins | Staines | 1.5 |
| 2nd | 756 | Oak Beauty | David Taylor | Upton Warren | 4 |
| 3rd | 808 | Laura Lee | Dennis Miles | Staines | 7 |