505 Open at Draycote Water Sailing Club

505 Open at Draycote Water © Malcolm Lewin / malcolmlewinphotography.zenfolio.com/watersports

Eight 505s travelled to Draycote (which still has plenty of water), for the first regatta since the World Championship back in August. Boats travelled from as far as Largo Bay in Scotland and Southampton.

The temperature was rather pleasant for an Autumn weekend with a shifty 5-10mph on the Saturday. Roger Gilbert & Ben McGrane led the first race until the last lap, when with a significant shift and drop in the breeze they were overhauled by Nathan Batchelor & James Clark and then Charlie Walters & Dougal Cram.

That was about the only slip up Gilbert & McGrane made in the day and won the following two races comfortably. The racing behind was close - good to see Charlie Chandler & Chris Brooks along at their first event (fancy watching them sailing a modern 505 on the river at Tewkesbury!).

Sunday dawned a different day with winds from 12-22mph from the south. This meant a smaller course - but the race officer wisely changed the course to a windward-leeward in this stronger breeze. Whilst the day was different, the result was the same. Three comprehensive bullets for Gilbert & McGrane.

Charlie & Dougal got a 2nd, then two 3rds to finish 3rd overall. Batchelor/ Clark had a 3,2,2 to finish 2nd overall. Relative newcomers Tom Jeffocate & Mark Hogan sailed consistently to 4th overall.

Thanks to Draycote Water SC and the Fireball class for having us along.

Overall Results: