MAIDENHEAD SC ALBACORE OPEN
April 15th 2007
The forecast said warm sunshine
and light winds for the first Albacore open of the season. Fortunately,
the lack of wind didn’t put off the majority of competitors
with a total of 13 boats taking to the water.
The lack of wind did, however, cause the Race Officer great difficulty
in setting a course. A short lap was finally settled on in the middle
of the lake, but the wind (or lack of!) continued to cause difficulties
as to where the first mark was to be. After a short period when
a reverse course was set, we were all away heading for the windward
mark as originally planned. The wind remained very light but Norman
Halstead & Ruth Birkett (6403) together with Neville Herbert
& Stephen Penfold (6825) showed us all how it should be done.
Local guys, Phil Tindall & Roy Box (7513), challenged for a
short time with the first 2 boats and with the wind picking up slightly
in the middle of the race. Regrettably for Phil & Roy, their
good form was again caught out by the wind, which resulted in another
local boat, John & Janet Woffinden (6490), taking advantage
of a personal zephyr and ‘storming’ through into third
place.
Over lunch the Race Officer looked at a possible change in the course,
as conditions had improved slightly, but in the end was left unchanged
for the second and third races, being run back-to-back. Things remaining
unchanged was the theme for the afternoon with Norman & Ruth,
Neville & Stephen and John & Janet maintaining there respective
1st, 2nd & 3rd places for each of the afternoon races. The middle
of the fleet had some changes in position and fortune, but all had
a good day.
Many thanks to all the visitors, particularly the 2 Fairy hulled
boats from Thames Sailing Club and we look forward to the Opens
for the rest of the season and, of course, to the Maidenhead Open
next year with a little more wind. Please!!!!….
Peter Ford
Final Results:
1st – Norman Halstead & Ruth Birkett – 6403 –
South Cerney S.C.
2nd – Neville Herbert & Stephen Penfold – 6825 –
Tamesis S.C.
3rd – John & Janet Woffinden – 6490 – Maidenhead
S.C.
The winners Norman Halstead & Ruth Birkett
2nd place Neville Herbert & Stephen Penfold
3rd place John & Janet Woffinden
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