Albacore Open Meeting, South Cerney

8 May

Sunday May 8th saw the largest collection of Albacores this season representing 8 different clubs brave the elements at South Cerney. During the course of the day there was bright strong sunshine, rain, hail and winds varying from very little to vicious squally gusts causing damage and capsizes.

The first of three races saw Neville Herbert establish an early lead and then disappear over the horizon. In second place was Orlando Gledhill who headed a very tight scrap involving four other boats, Jean Simmons eventually grabbing third spot.

The start time of Race 2 coincided with a significant storm and was delayed whilst a capsized boat was cleared from the starting area. When it did get under way Herbert quickly established a lead followed by Simmons, both of whom were in clear water by the first mark and never lost their positions. Norman Halstead, having had another appalling start worked through the fleet and caught Simmons right at the finish, to be beaten by less than a boat length.

A difficult start line for race 3 resulted in a chaotic start which was recalled. The restart saw Simmons and Halstead arrive at the first mark together at the front of the fleet, which was the start of a race long dogfight won by Simmons. Despite the close competition these two boats finished well in front of Mike Johnson who trailed in third.

See Pictures here