Results / Fat Face Racing Circuit Alton Water SC - 19/05/2007

RS Vareo Open At Alton Water 19/20 May

Sunshine and a SouthWesterly force three to four greeted the fleet. Saturdays racing was dominated by Andy Temple and Nigel Tinkler with numerous tussles throughout rankings. The first two races were held over a relatively short course of multiple laps with a leeward gate. Spectacular reaches and hard work up the beat were the order of the day. After two races and it becoming evident that the fleet were beginning to get used to the oscillating wind the course was moved to take full advantage of the length of the lake. A seriously knee trembling beat ensued as the wind swung the give a heavy port tack bias to the beat. Race three was far from a procession as places changed amongst the six leading boats. With some devastating gusts under the dark clouds the downhill was spectacular. The fleet survived well especially Flora Ellis the only lady competing. With the first six boats pulling well away from the remainder of the fleet and there being only three races scheduled for the day we decided to run a fun race  the six fastest boats being handicapped by starting three minutes behind the rest of the fleet. This turned into an  excellent race with the late starters making a very creditable finishes but it was Matthew Moore 188 who when well placed suffered a jammed spinnaker halyard and disappeared toward Holbrook head in the bottom of the boat, marks out of ten for perseverance here 11.

With the days racing over tired competitors returned ashore and headed for the local hostelries to replace lost fluids.

Sunday and the wind had turned through nearly 180 degrees but was of reduced strength. In the lighter going the run became ever more tactical with boats arriving together at the leeward gate and decisions on which buoy to take were crucial.

Andy Temple again sailed superbly as did Nigel Tinkler. The field became far more open with race wins for Nigel, Mark Hayzelden and Richard Willows.

After six races in varying conditions it was Andy Temple who took the Open with Nigel Tinkler second and Richard Willows in third. Ken Bolland from Alton water never gave up and was awarded the Fat Face prize for perseverance.  A great weekend sailing and thanks to all who attended.