Results / Open Chew Valley Lake SC - 13/10/2012

Dalgety Bay SC played host to the 2nd event for the JP watersports RS200 Scottish traveller. 11 sailors were greeted warmly by the host club, 2 of which had made the long journey from Delph SC. We all hope to see them back at events to come on the Scottish circuit.

Sailors launched in an ESE F5 and enjoyed a great blast downwind to the start area with 1 metre high swells helping them along the way.

R1 set the scene for the weekend’s strategy, with the left hand side of the course paying 9/10 due to the presence of gust coming of the headland and flatter water on that side of the course. With the pin end being heavily biased a start at the port end was required if sailors wanted to be in the ‘chocolates’ at the w/w mark. 1167 showed he had lost none of his tenacity when it comes to starting leading the fleet of the line. Although the author is sure that his wife to be was calling the shots on that start and it was he that forgot how to sail the boat in a straight line as he was soon passed by 1254 (still slower than 202!) 1254 took the win from 1167 followed by a 908 who has returned to the class.

R2 was a procession as the wind played havoc on the course. 1254 won from 866 who sailed well to claim 2^nd from a improving 1296.

R3 With the course being relayed to its original position 1296 sailed well in a tight battle between 1254 and 988 to take the race win.

Sailors woke up to a large orange thing in the sky, which has been missing for a few days in Scotland.  R4 was to prove that Dalgety Bay is not the only Scottish venue on the east of Scotland that can provide Irn Bru sailing conditions. The race was started in a solid 20 knots of breeze from the same direction as the day before. Again pin end was king and 1254 won the start and sailed defensively against they’re nearest rivals 1296 with 908 taking 3^rd.

R5 and 1254 decided that starting early and hitting the mark was the way ahead, 1296 took pity on 1254 and decided to start early as well. This left 1167 to take the early lead, he was clearly love struck over the wkend and was not showing his usual form. Nothing to do with the fact he had not sailed much and eaten way to many pies in the off-season!

1296 took a commanding lead whilst 1167 argued with the kite several times at the l/w mark and 1254 claimed 2^nd with 1105 sailing well to finish 3^rd.

R6 Unfortunately turned into a drag race as the wind swung round to make the course a 1 tack and gybe affair.  908 sailed well but struggled downwind (try going high when around 10 knots!)

Thanks must be paid to the host club who put on a cracking event, it rarely disappoints with good socials and good sailing waters. It was also great to see new faces on the circuit. Hopefully next year the Northern and Scottish circuits can combine to great effect.

The next round of the series is at North Berwick on 6/7 of June the venue for next year’s nationals. 1^st prize is a new kite kindly supplied by www.jpwatersports.co.uk

This will be a great chance to experience the venue for those attending next year.