Results / Open Bough Beech SC - 24/09/2005

The reservoir was almost a millpond when everyone arrived and the race officer had a task to set a course as the wind shifted through 90 to 150 degrees. There was a good atmosphere on the slipway as boats were rigged and the only visitor was made welcome by the 5 Bough Beech sailors. The course was set as a starboard handed triangle & sausage, making use of the 'windy' corner of the reservoir. Shortly before the wind shifted and the course reverted to port roundings with force 1-2 wind from the SE. The first start was fairly tentative for most but Bone (49er sailor in an A rig boat borrowed from the injured organiser) got cleanly away pursued closely by Southern and there was good competition among the following group. Bone drew out his lead during the race followed by Southern and Steel. The second start was a lot closer on the line and there were individual recalls for a number of different sailors during the remaining races. Bone once again took the lead from the start closely followed by Steel, Ward and Southern who fought closely for the next places. During the lunch break some video footage of the morning was played and competitors and the organiser commented on various issues from the start to boat handling and trim. After lunch the third race was postponed seconds before the start after a significant shift, but was promptly restarted using the original course when the wind settled in. There was a 180 degree shift during the race which the competitors took in their stride. In the early stages Ward, Southern and Bone contested the top places but once they had settled the race became a procession. Burrell led a slow starting Steel who had to work hard to catch and finally take Eperon. The final race of the day saw the wind steady and strengthen back in the SE and everyone enjoyed getting off their knees and onto the side of the boats. Thank you to the race committee, shore team and galley for a slickly run and well organised event.