Kestrel Open 2008 - Calshot Sailing Club

Report & Results
19th/20th April

The first open meting of the season was hosted by Calshot Sailing Club. Whilst the reception was warm, the weather left a little to be desired and played a part in some regulars not being present. Just three of the assembled crews braved the rain and Force 5 for Race One. The course consisted of triangles and sausages. Dusty & John, perhaps a little rusty, capsized whilst leading as a result of a mistimed gybe leaving Liam & Paul to pick up the lead followed by newcomers to the fleet, Tim Noyce from Hartley Laminates helmed by his father Howard. Liam & Paul headed for the wrong mark on a reach as the beat (sausage) was on leg 3 to 2 rather than the usual 3 to 1. This allowed the others to head off on the beat before spotting their mistake. Dusty & John regained first and Liam & Paul regained second place following their diversion.

Having seen that the conditions were better than first impressions from the bank two more boats joined in for Race Two. Liam & Paul rounded mark no1 first and led Dusty & John to the leeward mark. Liam & Paul got carried away again and made the same mistake, this time drawing Dusty & John with them briefly until realising their mistake as boats behind hardened up onto the beat. Dusty managed to work back to first place; Dave & Gareth took second whilst Liam & Paul recovered to third.

Sunday morning brought much improved weather without the drizzle and the sun breaking through as the day went on. Race Three was sailed in a Force Three on a square course with an extra beat on the offshore leg and a gate on the inshore windward leg. With a first lap a repeat of race two, Liam & Paul threw away their lead to much delight from Dusty & John who went on to win again. Dave & Gareth had picked up the lead but missed the gate before returning and dropping to fifth. Liam & Paul followed Dusty & John in for second place and Howard & Tim claimed another third.

Race Four was sailed on the same course with an increasing tide that was a greater factor than Saturday in the lighter winds. Liam & Paul managed to lead for three legs again before being passed by Dusty & John on the beat. Dave & Gareth also gained ground on the beat. Liam & Paul expected to be held out until the lay line but gained enough height to encourage Dave & Gareth to tack off into the tide. Surprisingly Dave & Gareth made the windward mark next. Dusty & John managed to hold off Dave & Gareth to complete a faultless score sheet and the event. Liam & Paul took second overall and Dave & Gareth took third, having missed one race and throwing away another. Mistakes were plentiful after the long winter break but it was good to be back in a boat.

Our thanks to Calshot S.C. for hosting the event, providing safety boats and race team during the wet and cold Saturday. Also to Steve and Lin Worf for making such an effort to make the weekend enjoyable for us all despite Steve not being well enough to sail himself.

Paul Jarvey.