Always the Albacore Season Opener Maidenhead didn't disappoint. The first Albacore Open Meeting of 2013 was held at Maidenhead Sailing Club on Sunday 14th April. The pre event forecast was for 20 knots plus of wind and it was clear in the morning that a good south westerly breeze was building.

In total 14 Albacores rigged to race, 6 visiting boats and 8 from Maidenhead. There was considerably more water than last year, so much so that all of the 'shallows' had good water depth and some of the islands were also covered. Race officer John Hirsh, always to be relied on, briefed the crews and got racing under way without delay.

Race 1 set the pattern for the day with the front of the fleet being contested by four boats – Nev Herbert, Michael McNamara, John Woffinden and Phil Smith. The local 'boy' John Woffinden won proving that a lot of pies can keep the boat flat in a gusty 20 knot wind and Nev Herbert went for an early buoyancy check dropping out of contention. Michael McNamara came in second with Phil Smith third and local Phil Tindall finishing fourth. The racing was equally competitive in the middle order with Chas Frize in fifth, Martin Hayward in sixth and Steve Bailey in seventh. Nev limped in eighth just ahead of Andy Pearce in ninth with Howard Witt rounding out the top ten. The gybe mark took quite a few other prisoners in the very gusty conditions.

A much needed break was taken for lunch enabling crews to refuel in preparation for the afternoon racing. Michael McNamara battled throughout Race 2 for the lead finally winning out over Nev Herbert followed by John Woffinden in third and Phil Smith in fourth. In Race 3 the roles were reversed and Nev Herbert managed to cross the finish line first ahead of Michael McNamara followed by John 'Who Ate all the Pies' Woffinden in third.

After the one race discard Nev and Michael were tied on three points apiece. Nev Herbert and his crew Nigel Potter were placed first having won the last race. Michael McNamara and Flip Foulds were placed second and John Woffinden and Erica Hunter third. Phil Smith crewed by Gilly Foulds were placed fourth. The Silver Fleet award went to Steve Bailey and Jeremy Wallace from Nottingham.

A few boats retired due to the very windy conditions but an excellent day's racing for all!

Full results on the Maidenhead SC Web site:

http://www.maidenheadsc.org.uk/main/results/AlbacoreOpen13.html

Andy Pearce

Events Secretary