Paignton Open for Double-handed Dinghies (PODD)

29th - 30th June 2013

The PODD regatta hosted by Paignton Sailing Club was a resounding success thanks to real summer weather, great organisation and the arrival of many skilled visiting competitors. There were 8 albacores entered enabling them to have their own fleet racing.

Race 1 got away on time in a light south easterly sea - breeze. Nev Herbert stamped his mark on the event by getting away in first position and maintaining it to the end, closely followed by Matt and Ellie Thompson and local sailors Trish Walker and Karl Lloyd. After a 180 degree shift in the wind the course was re-laid.

Race 2 started in a brisk northwest wind, gusting and shifting making the racing very tactical. Again Nev and Mark took first position, followed this time by Matthew and Paul Metcalfe- Smith, and another local boat Dave Whittle and Hannah Radbourne.

Race 3 started after a quick turn round Nev stuck to his winning ways and took another bullet. The fight for second place was between the Thompsons and the Metcalfe-Smiths, with Matt and Ellie just edging ahead at the finish. All crews returned to the club for a well - earned beer and Chilly, prepared by the Rear Commodore and her team.

Day 2 dawned warm and sunny and the race officer (Paul Procter) correctly predicted a sea breeze setting in from the east. He laid a course off Roundham Head and race 4 got underway. Local boat 7508 (Dave and Hannah) led from the start but was pipped on the line by Trish Walker and Karl Lloyd, Matthew and Paul Metcalfe –Smith coming in third.

Race 5 was the most closely contested, the first four boats finishing within 40 seconds. Matt and Ellie first followed by Fred Whitehead and Graham Riley, and claiming third place Matthew and Paul Metcalfe-Smith.

The final race of the regatta started with Trish Walker and Matthew Metcalfe- Smith taking a port flyer. Reading the shifts became significant as the wind dropped and Trish Walker and Karl Lloyd maintain a lead to the finish, followed by the Metcalfe-Smiths and the Thompsons.

At the prize giving the Commodore thanked all the competitors, race team and caterers. It was agreed that a good weekend’s racing was had by all and it was hoped that next year’s event would be just as popular.

Final positions;

1st Matt and Ellie Thompson 8155
2nd Trish Walker and Karl Lloyd 7992
3rd Matthew and Paul Metcalfe-Smith 8158
4th Fred Whitehead and Graham Riley 7921
5th Nev Herbert and Mark Fowler 8192
6th Dave Whittle and Hannah Radbourne 7508
7th Steve Ashford and Martin Yeomans 6811
8th Andy Pearce and Ian Simpson

Trish Walker Commodore Paignton Sailing Club