Solo Southern Quaich at Bewl Valley Sailing Club
by Don Buckle 24 Oct 2010 13:28 PDT
23 October 2010
The third year of this event was preceded by a forecast for heavy rain and winds. However the worst of the weather had passed before the first race started, although it affected the attendance. Club members and visitors made up a starting fleet of 20.
The morning races were held in a brisk force 4 with heavy gusts from the SW. Will Loy 186 led from the first mark closely pursued by Godfrey Clark 4803, David Walford 5052 and Nick Marden 4388 from the home club. The order for the first 3 places remained to the finish.
The second race, for the first 3 laps, again saw the same 3 boats dominate, however on the final lap they were absorbed with a tactical contest on the starboard side of the beat and did not see Mike Wilkie 4772(Littleton SC) holding starboard tack along the shore in a big lift to steal first place, with Godfrey Clark in second and David Walford 3rd.
The afternoon races were held in relatively benign conditions in a steady force 3 westerly. Godfrey Clark showed his liking for the lighter weather and won both races with “panache”, from Will Loy and Adrian Howse 5133(Bewl Valley SC)and in the final race from Nick Marden and Adam Page 4039(Bewl Valley SC).
The better conditions in the last 2 races gave some very close competition throughout the fleet ensuring that all enjoyed their day.
Overall results:
1st Godrey Clark (Fishers Green SC)
2nd Will Loy (Littleton SC)
3rd David Walford (Broadwater SC)
4th Nick Marden (Bewl Valley SC)