Graduate Open at Sutton-in-Ashfield Sailing Club
by David Wilson 13 May 2008 00:42 PDT
11 May 2008
The first Northern Area event of the year saw variable light winds for the Graduates at Sutton-in-Ashfield S.C. on May 11. Champagne conditions for lovers of light winds in the light weather.
After tussling with Moore and Henstock, the local fancied couple, visitors Stewart Eaton and Clare built up a considerable lead. Although hotly pursued by the Wilsons who closed the gap just before the end Stewart and Clare managed a worthy win.
All the visitors were sporting the new modern sail and Dave Ivins and Lesley used this to good effect in race two giving the Wilsons heart failure as they made up 50 yards on the last reach. Once again Stewart and Clare were very close to Ivins and the first three boats all crossed the line within 6 seconds of each other with the Wilsons fortunate to get a win.
The last race had all at stake as any one of three boats could win the event. Moore and Henstock got away well, but the Ivins boat and the Wilsons were too close for more comfort. The lead changed several times before the Wilsons managed to get clear wind and reach to the line. Second was Dave and Lesley with Stewart on their transom.
Top marks to all the sailors and race team led by The Fish - and a new first for the Graduates, a general recall on race one - normally we are all far too polite to be over.
Overall Results:
1st G2974 David and Sandra Wilson (Broadwater S.C.)
2nd G2880 Stewart Eaton and Clare (West Oxford S.C.)
3rd G2878 Dave Ivins and Lesley (Bolton S.C.)
4th G2846 John Moore and Andrew Henstock (Sutton-in-Ashfield S.C.)
5th G2261 Martin Payne and Jenny (Sutton-in-Ashfield S.C.)