Kestrel Open 2008 - Lakeside Sailing Club

Report & Results
10th/11th May

On Saturday morning the fleet were greeted with a glassy looking lake and no wind. After a postponement of an hour, and some very useful boat tuning given by Dusty and John to some of the fleet and the Worf's using the time to sort out a few things on their recent acquisition, a light breeze wandered in allowing the race officers to set a small triangular course so we could get a race in. With 1558 (Dusty Miller and John Ellingham) leading off the start line, shutting out 668 (Liam Pike and Alistair Luxford), forcing them to go back over the line, this gave 1558 a clean get away and followed by 1553 (Ian Rintoul and crew). The remainder of the fleet had some close manoeuvring and place changing before being over taken by 668 who took third place.

Race 2

With the light winds still struggling to find any strength, after a short delay and yet more tuning and conferring, race two was sailed over the same course, with 1558 and 668 getting away together this time, the following boats all arrived at the second mark at the same time and all fighting to drop their spinnakers and gybe. 1553 slipped out of the pack first to take third place from 1511 (Steve and Lin Worf). The between race tuning showed some result as 1544 (Kevin Jones and Kevin Edwins) gained a place over 1488 (Philip Trevelyen and Chet Butler). The evening saw many of the fleet enjoying the hospitality at John and Lisa's for a BBQ with entertainment from Gabriella - how does the wiggly woo song go again?

Race 3

Sunday morning we awoke to a force 2 to 3 breeze and bright sunshine which made the race officers job a lot easier. Race three started on time and with the wind coming almost straight down the lake gave a good beat to the first mark. 1558 lead the way to the first mark closely followed by 1551 (Mike Smith and Duncan Wilson) by the second mark 668 were back in their usual position of second, a battle then commenced between 1511 and 1551 with 1511 coming in third.

Race 4

Race four was held in much the same conditions but a slight change of course. 1558 and 668 took off yet again leaving the remained to their own battles, 1511 finally had the better of 1551 who had shot past the mark to cries of what sounded like 'I've got no brakes' actually we were informed it was 'I've got no plate'. Lin's laughter was short lived, as they rounded the next mark and went to hoist the spinnaker, the spinnaker sheet went under the boat and she found herself crawling over the foredeck to retrieve it. In the meantime 1558 came in first, with 668 coming second and eventually 1511 coming third.

Race 5

Race five saw 1488 watching the race from the bank due to a rigging failure. As has been the case this weekend 1558 and 668 battled it out throughout the race at the front, while the rest of the fleet had their own little battles not only with each other but also with the very frighten looking people in the pedalos and canoes that the sun had brought out onto the lake. First place was taken by 1558, second by 668 and 1511 took third. A good weekend was had by all.

Just a note for those who know Steve Worf and his attachment to '909 Cmix'. He has not parted with her she is on a well deserved 2 year holiday. She will return refreshed, refurbished and ready to do battle once more after this.

Steve and Lin.