Contender Open at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club

The final open before the UK fleet heads south to Lake Garda was a 2 dayer at the Thorpe Bay Yacht club, and very like Lago di Garda it was, camping by the waterside, grassed areas to store boats and hot weather bringing thermal winds.

On arrival it was clear what a complete venue it is, as we were welcomed to free camping and a busy clubhouse.

On the water, the first day wind built above forecast to 13-15 kts, with swinging wind and just enough chop to throw us about. The startline had enough tide to keep us easily behind it and save the enthusiasm from overflowing into Generals. It would seem the Pin end was slightly favored, in that left took the boats inshore to save on tide. It was this direction that handed the lead to Ed Presley, who rounded the windward mark from port, but was overtaken by Simon Mussell who came in with more speed. These two battled around the course with Duncan Ward keeping a close eye in them in 3rd. to gain the advantage, Ed decide to attempt a lee-bow on Simon coming into the final windward, he missed the mark and capsized on the gybe trying to recover. This foolish behavior was rewarded by a mast in the mud and dead last place, Simon went on to win with Duncan and Stuart Jones happily moving up.

Another drag race out of the pin to left caused some to over stand from port, but also others to understand from starboard, maybe time to fish out an old copy of Dr S Jones's book. The resulting mess meant that a pack of 5-6 boats came together to shoot off downwind in satisfying pumping condition, The afore mentioned Dr Jones looked to have a narrow lead at the gate but was scuppered by a large right hand shift that allowed Ed and Duncan to climb over him. Ed was able to hold this to the end with Stuart fighting back past Duncan to take 2nd.

In a copy of race 1, Ed and Simon enjoying upwind speed, seemed to be happy to trade blows out front, but once again Ed Capsized in the exact same manner, only this time without sticking the mast in. Simon assumed he was awesome due to big gap that had appeared. He won with Ed hanging on to 2nd.

After a lively day of jousting and getting tripped up, the sailors were glad of a large club bar and balcony in the sun, TBYC is certainly a good spot for socializing.

As the 2nd day arrived it was clear there was very little wind, and Contenders being Contenders, no-one budged to get ready on time. In the end the RO put his foot down a said that must get out on the water as the races would be on time. We were glad he did, as the although the wind was low the racing was tight.

Now some might expect that a flakey light wind slop is perfect for Mr S Jones of Bracknell, however it wasn't to be all his. Alright, he did win the first race relatively easily, but Adrian Smith and Duncan Ward both were close enough to see him.

In the 2nd race the left was still dominant due the tide, Duncan took out a decent gap by just going the right way, many other didn't. The pressures of leadership came quickly however, as over the race James Spikesley and Adrian Smith organised themselves to catch up. It was down the final run where a trip to the far left gave James the separation he needed, irritatingly for Duncan Simin Mussel came from nowhere to use the right hand side to get around him as well. James and Simon ended 1st and 2nd, and as it transpired Duncan was OCS all along, so no need for that heartbreak.

The last race of the day had a touch more wind and this helped Ed Presley lead at the windward mark by coming in from the left (again). Although leading for most of the race, he had Stuart Jones and James Spikesley in constant company. Not realising the race had been shortened, Ed went to head back up the beat handing the race to James and then Stuart.

Tight racing throughout, a mix of conditions and 4 different winners meant that the TBYC Open was a great success and cemented the view of it as a class venue for the future. Thanks to club for having us and looking after us so well. The eventual winner Stuart Jones made it look difficult and places 2-6 were separated by 2 points.

The Contender fleet now look forward to the World Championship at Malcesine, Lake Garda.

If you would be interested in getting a Contender and joining the fleet, all events and classified are available on the British Contender Association website.

Overall Results: