Dee Estuary International Canoe Open Meeting

Dee Estuary International Canoe Open Meeting © Alan Dransfield

Dee Sailing Club (14th July) and West Kirby Sailing Club (15th July) regattas provided the racing for a no discard Dee Estuary IC Open. With the fastest growing IC fleet in the World, enthusiasm was in abundance and, for the training day on the Friday, conditions couldn't have been more perfect. Spring tides provided ample water and the wind was a steady F3.

On the Saturday, and racing in the fast handicap fleet, the wind was somewhat lighter. The prevailing wind was in a perpetual argument with the sea breeze which meant that the full Olympic course with mile long beats was to provide a test of light wind boat handling, strategic planning, and tidal knowledge. Tony Marston continued where he had left off over fifty years ago when sitting his O Level mathematics exam, and passed with flying colours! food, refreshments, sunbathing, live music, and prize giving were all on the lawn of Dee Sailing Club overlooking the estuary.

Sunday saw racing in a more consistent sea breeze. Roger Howell had shaken off his jet lag and vindicated his long drive from Plymouth by hitting hard right and leading at the windward mark. Both races were sailed in a F3, where the long legs and wave patterns provided ample opportunity to gain (and lose) places. WKSC hosted the prize giving, with trophies and cash prizes to the winners.

Thank you to both sailing clubs for making the IC fleet welcome, and to WKSC for providing buoys and a rib for the training on Friday.

Overall Results: