Albacore 2013 Northern Championships
A strong fleet of twenty Albacores sailed the 2013 Northerns, including two previous championship winners, Michael MacNamara and Judy Armstrong, a number of open circuit regulars as well as some local boats.
After an introduction to the West Kirby beach launch process to maximise racing time available, RO Chris Hoppins got the fleet away to the first of the three Saturday races in a moderate Westerly and strong chop.
Judy and Paul Armstrong nailed the first race with local Mike Hartley sailing a borrowed boat second, followed by John Greenwood sailing Phil Smith's boat with Phil crewing. John went on to win the next two races in a steadily strengthening wind and sea with Judy and Mike MacNamara swapping seconds and thirds, the third race being sailed in 20 knots plus and a strong Dee Estuary chop.

Picture credit - Maisie Pearce
Sunday conditions started lighter with about 15 knots and Michael MacNamara put in two bullets in his brand new boat in a steadily easing wind to win the event by countback from Judy Armstrong, with John Greenwood third and Mike Hartley fourth.
There was close racing in the mid fleet with Mathew Metcalfe-Smith finishing fifth overall and newcomer to the Albacore fleet Tim Coleman finishing sixth in only his third event – with a third place in the final race he needs watching!
Stan Van den Berg thanked all those attending and hoped we would visit again – watch the events list for next year's date. Mike McNamara thanked the host club for a well organised event.
West Kirby Sailing Club extended a very friendly welcome to all visitors and the Saturday morning bacon baps and refreshments were included in the entry - sorry Nev and Graham and all, you missed out there!!
|
Position |
Sail No |
Helm |
Crew |
Club |
R1 |
R2 |
R3 |
R4 |
R5 |
Pts |
|
1st |
8188 |
Mike MacNamara |
Tim Linsell |
GCYC |
(4) |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
7 |
|
2nd |
8189 |
Judy Armstrong |
Paul Armstrong |
Scaling Dam SC |
1 |
2 |
(3) |
2 |
2 |
7 |
|
3rd |
8152 |
John Greenwood |
Phil Smith / Katie Greenwood |
RYA |
3 |
1 |
1 |
(21 DNF) |
4 |
9 |
|
4th |
7991 |
Mike Hartley |
Mark Hinton |
WKSC |
2 |
4 |
(6) |
3 |
6 |
15 |
|
5th |
8158 |
Mathew Metcalfe-Smith |
Paul Metcalfe-Smith |
Ogston SC |
6 |
5 |
4 |
6 |
(12) |
21 |
|
6th |
6812 |
Tim Coleman |
Rosie Lyne |
Dabchicks SC |
9 |
6 |
(12) |
7 |
3 |
25 |
|
7th |
8155 |
Mathew Thompson |
Ellie Thompson |
Tewkesbury SC |
7 |
(8) |
7 |
5 |
8 |
27 |
|
8th |
8133 |
Mike Banner |
Fiona Nidri |
Winsford Flash SC |
5 |
9 |
8 |
(11) |
9 |
31 |
|
9th |
7915 |
Glen Hughes |
Henry Hughes |
WKSC |
12 |
7 |
5 |
8 |
(13) |
32 |
|
10th |
8182 |
Thomas Teubner |
Ruth Haeckl |
WKSC |
8 |
(12) |
10 |
9 |
7 |
34 |
|
11th |
8187 |
John Carlin |
Nicola Carlin |
WKSC |
11 |
11 |
(21 DNF) |
12 |
5 |
39 |
|
12th |
7525 |
Andy Pearce |
Ian Simpson |
Hawley Lake SC |
13 |
10 |
9 |
(14) |
14 |
46 |
|
13th |
6814 |
Mal Jones |
Bruce Patterson |
WKSC |
10 |
(21 DNF) |
(21 DNC) |
4 |
16 |
51 |
|
14th |
7995 |
Alan Gregory |
Paul Colquitt |
WKSC |
15 |
14 |
11 |
16 |
(17) |
56 |
|
15th |
8186 |
Stan van den Berg |
Howard Williams |
WKSC |
14 |
13 |
(21 DNF) |
15 |
15 |
57 |
|
16th |
8074 |
Mike de St Paer |
Anne de St Paer |
WKSC |
(21 DNF) |
21 DNC |
21 DNC |
10 |
10 |
62
|
|
17th |
5891 |
Joe Bethell |
Peter Williams |
WKSC |
(21 DNC) |
21 DNC |
21 DNC |
13 |
11 |
66 |
|
18th |
6661 |
Sheena Davies |
Julie Dawling |
WKSC |
17 |
15 |
(21 DNF) |
17 |
19 |
68 |
|
19th |
7187 |
Dave Ashworth |
John Greatirex |
WKSC |
(21 DNC) |
21 DNC |
21 DNC |
18 |
18 |
78
|
|
20th |
7770 |
Alister Sclater |
Jane Sclater |
WKSC |
16 |
(21 DNF) |
21 DNC |
21 DNC |
21 DNC |
79 |
Andy Pearce
