Location: Fidlers Ferry Sailing Club, Warrington....
1st Boat: 186534 Type: Laser Skipper: Reece Tomlinson
2nd Boat: Tommohawk 44 Type Falcon Skipper: Tony Tomlinson
3rd Boat: Flash Type: Laser Skipper: Alex Rigby
The weather did not live up to the forecast, but did provide a large fleet of dinghies with enough challenges to make for a very interesting race day. With 2 safety craft in attendance the expectation of a few dunking was real but in reality only one crew went for a swim.
The early start meant that some crews were half a sleep on the start line, claiming tow individual recalls as the boats headed for Sankey Brook mark “READINGS SHOUT No7” were it proved difficult to make against the incoming tide after rounding the mark for the return to FFSC. For 20 minutes crews fought to make ground in shifting winds, boats duelling to gain advantage, position and tacking rights on that narrow stretch of water, eventually the top three and race winner made the break for the next mark gaining 5 minutes over the rest of the fleet but then the chase was on as the fleet tried hard to make in roads to their lead. The next section gave different problems with sand banks and changing wind directions which forced some boat into gardening on the reed beds and others in negotiating other boats at the marks. As the race progressed into in final stages the fleet had broke into 3 section were skill and experience proved to be useful alias in make good head way in a now outgoing tide. Even the leaders found the going difficult but had secured enough lead to see them home safely some 3 minutes ahead of the main fleet.
Reece Tomlinson led the way in his Laser, followed by his father in Tommohawk 44 who struggled to catch the Laser who mastered the adverse conditions well. Tommohawk was challenged for the 2nd position by the Laser of Alex Rigby, who sailed well, but could not get past the Falcon successfully to assist her high handicap. In the end she took a well earned third place, well ahead of the 4th place Falcon Cara Car 45 and chasing pack.
Other outstanding performances from Simon Rowan in his tiny Sunfish dinghy gave him a creditable 5th place on handicap and Silver Fleet Falcons, Sparrow hawk 14 belonging to Steve Whitehead & Red kite 32, Nick & Simon Lowe finishing 8th & 9th
The race proved challenging, tiring but good fun, hot soup was the order of the day as the crews came ashore cold and wet for their refreshments. Best performance of the day came from Emma Flynn who was Officer of Day for the first time, managing the whole event on her own, excellent performance.
Thanks to all the safety boat crews for all their hard work and to Sue Worswick for the catering, a good day and challenging sailing.
Junior Sailing next weekend 21& 22 May at FFSC.
Visitors are always welcome.
Colin Howard, Sailing Sec
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Officers of the Day Emma Flynn
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