Noble Marine Supernova Traveller Series at Bowmoor Sailing Club

Noble Marine Supernova Traveller Series at Bowmoor © John Banbrook

Thirty-two sailors made the start line for the 2019 Bowmoor SC Supernova Open in the Cotswolds. Given that the Nationals were only two weeks ago and we are just before the traditional summer holiday period, this was a great turn-out and proof once again that the Supernova Class Association continues to go from strength to strength.

Bowmoor is a popular open venue, situated in central southern England, but with great facilities, a warm invitation and plenty of space to stay over. The racing was preceded by a free Class Association training event on the Friday, led by top coach Alistair Goodwin from Haversham SC. Friday provided some challenging conditions for the 17 sailors that were able to duck work and enjoy the breeze, warm weather and sunshine.

The sunshine and warmth endured into Saturday for the racing but the forecast breeze threatened to abate as the day wore on. Indeed the first race provided a decent westerly enabling race officer, Chris Jenkins, the opportunity to provide two long beats and to make the most of the sailing area at the lake. However the breeze was always due to swing to the north and is was definitely going to be shifty and so advantages were on offer to make gains and, for others, losses!

The first race saw Steve Johnson and Ellen Clancy from nearby Cotswold SC take the lead at the first windward mark before being quickly caught by fellow Cotswold sailors Cliff Milliner and Gavin Young, followed by Bartley's Chris Hawley. Milliner and Young then headed a leading group through the first lap; however, a small navigational 'error' took the front two off-course and Chris Hawley, the Class Association Chairman from Bartley took full advantage to take a clear lead into lap 2. Cliff fought hard to pull back through and managed to take the first bullet, Chris held onto to second place and Gavin finished third.

The second race followed back-to-back, but the forecast unfortunately held true and the breeze swung increasingly north and became 'fickle'. The first beat saw the lead change hand several times and a large pack headed in a bundle to the second mark. Tony Beasdale from Girton SC emerged with the lead and held-on for the race win. Cliff worked hard to get second whilst Gavin and Chris were further down the field. Away from the leaders, the pack was large, clean air was hard to find and conditions were challenging.

After an outstanding lunch provided by a volunteer galley team, the fleet launched and headed to the start line for the final race. Cliff Milliner remained ashore, unable to stay for the last race, so the event was open for Chris or Tony to steal the top prize. The duty team moved the windward mark several times and through about 60 degrees before the sequence was started. Even then, and with seconds to go, the AP was raised as the breeze shifted significantly from north east back to north. After a 45 minute delay, the breeze settled and racing finally got under way.

Gavin had a good lead after two laps but the leading pack included Chris Hawley, Tony Beasdale and Mike Gibson from Bartley SC and all fighting for podium places. Chris caught Gavin at the final mark and they split for the final short beat to the line. Gavin just held on to take the win and to pip Chris to second place overall, this result also handing his buddy, Cliff Milliner, the overall event win. Chris finished third overall.

A great event was had by all with competitive races in extremely tricky winds thanks to Bowmoor who once again proved to be excellent hosts!

The next Noble Marine Supernova Traveller Series event is at Girton SC on Saturday 27th July and is the last event before the Inlands at Northampton in September. Like many of the historic ex-gravel pit venues, it offers interesting 'around the island' challenges, although at 90 acres (60 sailable) it is by no means a restricted water.

Overall Results:

1st Lady - Ellen Clancy, Cotswold SC (7th overall)
1st Master - Mike Gibson, Bartley SC (5th overall)
1st Veteran - Andrew Bownes, Bartley SC (9th overall)