Broxbourne Open
By admin. Filed in Race reports |
The view from Datchet
As ever, your reporters set out too early, and arrived as the club was being opened up! Still, the early birds etc. Fortified by “the first cup is free” – very welcoming – we set about rigging 3385. We were joined by real pros, Bobby Salmond and Robert Till from Loch Earn SC – yes Scotland! – quite a way from the M25! They had brought 627 (Bobby’s Dad’s boat that they sailed together), lovingly restored by his son, with all new fittings and looking gorgeous.
The warm welcome from Commodore Robin Fletcher and his team, masked real sadism when it came to the course – the locals smiled knowingly and cracked on – while the visitors rushed about finding something to write a cat’s cradle on! Initially the light winds flattered to deceive, with multi-directional gusts adding to the complexity. Exiting launching using a hoist and cradle, was followed by slightly chaotic racing (for the visitors) where the route confused all tactical thinking …… “where is the next buoy?” “follow 627” “I cant see him” etc.
The racing was dominated by two classics, Bobby Salmond and Robert Till first in 627 and Tim Tomlinson and Mark Greer second in 2433. Both discarded thirds. Bob Tait and Alice Hudson in 2606 were the most consistent of the rest of us and took a convincing third.
In race 1 we started reasonably, consolidated well, had a diabolical beat, with veritable Anglo-Saxon expletives from the driver, and scraped in 6th. Second race was much better; our mood improved, and we hung on for 3rd, and were further encouraged when the all conquering Andy Clark (also from Datchet) retired.
A digression here. As is proper, we set out to win the event. But, inevitably, there was a sub-plot for the two Datchet boats. Nadia being at a family whingding in the Baltic, Andy Clark was crewed by his dad (Jim) and they were not going to come in behind us were they? – and we took a similar view of them.
So, 3rd race saw self-tacking shifts kicking in, further anglo-saxon from both of us, and a late recovery to finish one behind our Datchet rivals in 4th. All to play for tomorrow.
Sunday brought stronger winds, but still self-tacking shifts! The first race was a complete shambles for us – up front a hideously knotted spinnaker ensured a lively debate, compounded by hideous decision making from both of us, saw us dribble in 7th – our worst result, but only one behind Andy and Jim. A frank exchange of views cleared the air, with going ashore being option one! But we tried one more start, which went well; we popped around the top mark first – bloody hell – no one to follow! Tim Tomlinson in 2433 helped by doing turns behind us, and Bobby Salmond was busy fighting Bob Tait in 2606, leaving us comfortably in the lead. From this moment, everything went well; the spinnaker was driving before it was fully up; a chatty Phil exchanged badinage with the race team as we planed past them; the self tacking shifts were favourable; and we held on for Mike’s first ever Open meeting bullet, after 50 plus years sailing.
A wise man once said finish a regatta on a high and it will feel great – start with a bullet and trail off and it’s a long drive home. De-rigging was a breeze, first pint a joy, lunch splendid and winning the Silver section meant a happy drive home.
Thanks to all at Broxbourne for a really enjoyable event; for making otherwise frustrating sailing a joy to experience! We will be back for more shifts in 2010. Broxbourne was the 5th leg of the newly restored Southern Travelers Series, with all to play for at the final event at South Cerney on 12/13 September. Philip Tinsley (mostly) and Mike Firth 3385