Tasar Pre-Nationals Open at Babbacombe Corinthian Sailing Club
by John Lawton 29 Aug 2014 04:33 PDT
23-25 August 2014
(l to r) Fiona and Malcolm Davies, Hannah Sudworth and Steve Birbeck, Liz and Roger Pescod © John Lawton
Three visiting Tasars joined the 6 Babbacombe boats for this 3 day regatta over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
Malcolm and Fiona Davies returned after a break from sailing due to the birth of Jenson, extending the house and some health issues. They soon shook off the cobwebs by winning 6 of the 9 races.
Another returning previous National Champion, Steve Birbeck, has his 12 year old niece crewing for him and he too showed his skills by winning 3 races.
Neil Spacagna and Anne Panther suffered from gear failure whilst leading the first race which meant they also missed the second race of the day, which were both sailed in waves and wind.
On Sunday 4 races were sailed in lighter conditions which helped some of the others keep pace with the 'hot-shots'.
New Babbacombe Tasar owner, Cathy Gillard and crew Karen O'Sullivan enjoyed the experience of the big course racing and they were joined by Josh Owen and his crew on Sunday. Ian and Sue Butterworth from Milton Keynes, enjoyed their best result of the series with a 3rd in race 4.
The final day of racing dawned to constant rain and little wind, so all classes were held ashore until eventually a midday start in rain, wind and waves tested the abilities of all competitors. Some of the reaches were most enjoyable with the wind and size of waves.
Malcolm and Fiona didn't need to sail the last race, Neil and Anne suffered a nasty capsize and John Lawton retired due to gear failure, so in the end there weren't many finishers.
Liz and Roger Pescod sailed a consistent and improving series to take 3rd spot. The next 3 places only had one point separating the pecking order.
Vice Comodore, Guy Hester assisted by his wife Jan, presented the prizes to the worthy winners thanking race officer David Homer and all the many helpers.
The next big event at Babbacombe is the 2014 Tasar Nationals on September 12-14th.