Abersoch Mirror Week at South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club

Action from Abersoch Mirror Week © Richard Robinson

Action from Abersoch Mirror Week © Richard Robinson

Action from Abersoch Mirror Week © Richard Robinson

As part of a busy season in Abersoch, South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club hosted the highly rated Mirror Week over August 15th –19th.

With the emphasis on being a Family week, and combinations of Father & son and Mother & daughter crews, the competitive drive of Championships is secondary to a Fun week. Now in it’s 10th year this combination continues to be very popular with a near record entry of 70.

Racing as in previous years is run on an inner course just off the popular sandy beach. Racing is on a triangular course and is visible for all to view from the land.

With the best weather of the year so far and kind winds the Race Officer and Organiser Richard Robinson and team, were able to complete a full schedule of 9 races allowing two discards.

Day one and James & Georgia Peters with two firsts were leading the pack in Lilac Wine.

The second day dawned with a millpond, hot sand and with the Fleet eager to make the most of the Beach and other activities, so the racing was postponed to another day. Tuesday evenings Quiz was a record attendance and catered for all ages.

Wednesday and the Fleet were designated Gold & Silver status within the same Fleet. Conditions were perfect with a steady warm Westerly Wind off the shore. Three Races were planned to try and catch up This day was a to be a family affair with Megan Brickwood (10) crewed by Mum (older) taking line honours in Race 3 followed by Dad John and son Sam (8) in 2nd.

John & Sam showed why John has been a past National Champion by winning race 4. Close behind in 2nd and previous week winner was James Budd and Fabienne Peters, who were starting to build a consistent series. Race 5 and the positions were about turn with James & Fabienne taking 1st place from John & Sam. This was his first win of the week and although not quick up wind they made up for it downwind and sped to a comfortable lead. Wednesday day completed and all the Fleet retired to the Bar for a well supported Karaoke, with various renditions and with increased Adult participation as the night drew on.

With a discard now applying the top three of Brickwood, Budd & Peters were all very close and all to play for.

Thursday and Race 6 brought a change in the top order with a new winner with David & Bethany Grey from Royal Windermere leading the pack to take line honours. Closely followed by youngsters Ben Robinson & Suzy Peters in 2nd and Nick Butterworth in 3rd. Ben & Suzy would go on to win the special prize for the highest youngest crew in the Gold fleet with a combined age of 21.

Race 7 and James & Fabienne took the advantage from the Brickwood`s winning the race leaving John & Sam having to use both discards for today. Perhaps the hangover from the night before maybe to blame! With the BBQ pending the social side was keeping everyone on their mark.

So we went to the last day with The Brickwood`s holding a slender lead from James Budd, with James Peters still in with a shout. With the wind now to its maximum for the week Race 8 was hard fought with the Brickwood’s just about overhauling the Grey’s and right on his heals was James Budd in 3rd.

All was not over but John & Sam Brickwood now had control of the series as they entered Race 9. With Chris “RYA” Atherton and Josh skilfully taking line honours without the use of a spinnaker, and Peters taking 2nd the overall position was not in doubt with John & Sam winning the Gold from James & Fabienne second and James Peters & Eliza 3rd.

Special prizes were awarded to Nicholas Butterworth for most improved helm up from 32nd to 7th. First Girl crew went to Jemima & Lucy Cope. The silver fleet was won by up and coming sailor David (Zimmer Frame) Whitaker crewed by Tom Bentley.

Overall Results: