The Grafham Catamaran Open
by Bob Carter 27 Oct 2016 05:27 AEDT
22-23 October 2016
A total of 80 boats took part in the Grafham Cat Open on the fine weekend of 22/23 October. Three races were run back to back on both days - Saturday was sunny with a F2-3 Northerly wind and Sunday was overcast with a F3-4 NNE wind. On both days the winds were subject to big swings which made for interesting tactical sailing. Many classes used the event as their last traveller of the Summer and also a number of Inland Championships were run in the event. The following is a summary of the results.
The Sprint 15s were the largest fleet with 31 entries for the Inland Championships. Grafham sailor, Stuart Snell, won the event (1,1,2,1.1) from Kevin Kirby (4,2,1,4,4) of Marconi and the two-up boat of Andy and Finley Webb of Harwich were third. This was the Webb's first open in a Sprint 15.
The Fast Double handicap class had 21 entries including 12 Formula 18s. The F18 of Simon Northrup and Caleb Cooper from Minnis Bay were the winners (1,1,2,2,1), the F18 of Will Sunnucks and Freddie White from Brightlingsea who were second and the F18 of David White and Kyle Stoneham from Thorpe Bay were third.
The Fast Single handicap class consisted of 9 A Class catamarans and a single Shadow X. The winner was the Shadow of Robin Leather (Gurnard) who won 4 races and took 2 second places. The top A Class sailor in second place was speed merchant, Paul Larsen (WPSA) in an A Class foiler and third place was taken by Mike Bawden of Rutland.
The Medium handicap class of 11 boats included 8 Catapults. The winner was the Catapult of Gareth Ede (2,1,1,1,1.) of Yorkshire Dales followed at some distance by John Terry of Rutland (2nd) and Alastair Forrest (3rd) both also sailing Catapults.
The Spitfire Inland Championships had 7 entries and was won by Matthew McRobbie and Molly Desorgher of Rutland from David and Ian Wright of Grafham.
The Club was a buzz for the whole weekend and the sailors enjoyed an excellent dinner and a drink in the bar at the Club on Saturday night.
The Race officers Peter Saxton and Nigel Denchfield were thanked for good courses and quick turnarounds that have become customary at Grafham events. The sailors went away satisfied after an excellent regatta.
Overall Results: