Results / Bough Beech Open Bough Beech SC - 16/10/2004

The day dawned still and misty and the concensus of a NW Force 3-4 was optimistic. There was a good atmosphere on the slipway as boats were rigged the 3 visitors were made welcome by the 5 Bough Beech sailors. Brian Whitmey (RO) set a reverse �P� course for the first race with the wind filling in to a SW 2-3. Steve, Frank and David set the pace breaking clear of the pack as the wind filled in then dropped. The lead and following groups both had close fought competitions and Frank finally won the day with Steve and David close behind. The wind had set round to the NW during the first race and the course reverted to a simple triangle. The wind did its traditional Inland thing and while it had its stronger moments was fairly fickle and shifty. Steve and Frank were joined by Alastair in the tussle for the front, and Barry was indignant when the �wind� dropped him to the back, but then fought his way back up the rankings. Steve won followed by Alastair and Frank. After a well organised �splash and dash� lunch the existing triangle was retained and a sausage added for interest! Richard Southern (an RS200 regular) took off with Frank and Steve, and in a shifty wind they stayed out front despite much position changing in a very close fleet. There were many close tousles at the leeward mark of the run as the wind filled in from the back. Steve won followed by Richard, Frank and Nick. The wind went very light for the final race and it could have gone any way. Steve made a slow start and joined the back markers for a time but even then worked his way up to 5th. Richard took off into the lead never to be caught, and Barry and Patrick had their moment in the limelight in 2nd and 3rd. Thank you to the race committee, shore team and galley for a slickly run and well organised event.