Dinghy Open for the Russell Trophy at Norfolk Broads Yacht Club

Matthew Frary being awarded the Russell Trophy by Norfolk Broads Yacht Club Club Manager, Peter McGeown and Flag Officer, Andy Wood © Bill Webber

Norfolk Broads Yacht Club hosted the Dinghy Handicap Open Meeting for the Russell Trophy on the 15th April. Nine boats took part, representing five classes with one visitor from Horning S.C. travelling over to take part, despite the poor forecast of a dull misty day with very little wind.

Race one was sailed in a very light easterly breeze across the broad. With all the boats bunched at the windward end of the line, it was Michael McNamara crewed by Dan Alsop who pulled away on the fetch to the first mark. This pair held the lead in their Albacore until the end of the first lap when they were caught up by the RS400 of Ben Campbell and Finlay using their asymmetrical spinnaker to advantage on the long reaches. The third boat to finish and winner on corrected time was the Solo of Matthew Frary.

For the second race, the wind had move slightly more to the north making it necessary to put in some tacks to the first mark. Ben and Finlay took an early lead to pull away, increasing their lead to the finish to win on corrected time. Michael and Dan again counted a second place on corrected time with Matthew third.

In race three the wind had changed to the south east, the three double handed boats realised that the first mark could be easily made on a fetch so they started a little way to leeward of the bunch of single handers who were luffing each other at the windward end. The RS400 led away from the line followed by the Albacore and GP14 of Bill and Diana Webber. Matthew Frary in his Solo soon overhauled the GP14 and sailed an excellent race to finish just over three minutes behind the RS400 to win on corrected time. Counting two first places, it was Matthew Frary who collected the Russell Trophy.

Overall Results: