Location: Fidlers Ferry Sailing Club, Warrington.
Overall position after 5 Races
1st Boat: 186534 Type: Laser Skipper: Reece Tomlinson
2nd Boat: Tommohawk 44 Type Falcon Skipper: Tony Tomlinson
3rd Boat: Redfoot 42 Type: Falcon Skipper: Ian Scouler
This is the first full Claire House Regatta hosted by Fidlers Ferry the object was to fund raise for this most worthy project in its care as a hospice for children. 5 race were scheduled for day one, but there were doubts as to whether this would go a held with winds gusting to 30mph just before the start of the first race, but in the end the decision to go was given and the first was under way over a 2 mile course.
Reece Tomlinson quickly mastered the condition and showed many of the far more experienced sailors the way home; this was to be repeated in the next two races leaving a large field of boats to fight for the other two remaining places on the podium.
Short Course racing does not allow for mistakes, so those who can stay clear of trouble usually make the best headway. As the racing progressed the winds dropped to a steady 15mph making life a little easier for the boats and crews.
A large crowd at both the Sailing Club and the Ferry inn were entertained to some really good sailing as the day brightened up and the temperature raised.
By the start of Race four some crews changed but not the race order. On 5 races only the best 4 results count discarding a boats worst result so there was a lot to sail for. By race four the tide was on the ebb which makes the tactics for racing slightly different and for the first time in the afternoon the leading boat was relegated to following instead of leading as the fleet closed up and positions changing on a regular basis.
Tony Tomlinson Snr fought a fantastic dual with Ian Scouler in Redfoot 42 with 3 boats heading for the finishing line at full speed, but the honour went to Tony Tomlinsons, Tommohawk 44 by half a boat length from Redfoot 42.
The final Race of the day saw Alex Rigby put in a final challenge coming form no where on the final leg to gain third place in her Albacore RSEND 1948 but again Tommohawk 44 and Redfoot 42 made the ground from the start to reach the first mark ahead of the following fleet
And after 3 hours + sailing the finish line was a welcome sight
Day two on Sunday reverts to the tradition race model with two long distant races; more boats are expected for this event which so far has proven to be successful for raising funds for Claire House.
Thanks to Emma Flynn OD Craig Hinkin & Dave Thompson for safety boat cover and race organiser Sally Thompson;
Ready for Day 2 watch this space.Colin Howard
Sailing Secretary
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