2009 Kestrel Open Meeting - Netley Sailing Club

Report & Results
26th/27th September

Sunshine and light variable winds was the weather dished up last weekend for the Kestrel, Shearwater and Scorpion open meetings at Netley Sailing Club. Racing commenced on Saturday after a delay waiting for the wind to arrive and settle sufficiently for a course to be set. Races 1 and 2 were sailed in very shifty winds with 1574, Dave Hearsum/Gareth Fay clearly enjoying the conditions and some lucky breaks to take 1st place in both races. 1511, Steve and Lin Worf posted two 2nd places, 1544, Kevin Edwins/Kevin Jones taking 3rd in race1 and 1546, Jo/John Glasspool 3rd in race 2.

Sunday saw a similar weather pattern. Again Dave and Gareth showed their mastery of these conditions despite Steve/Lin and Kevin/Kevin and John/Jo all managing to lead at some point. At the finish of all three races it was : 1st 1574, 2nd 1511, 3rd. 1546 and 1544 along with 1516, Alan/Julie Barnstable from Bristol Corinthian Sailing Club finishing with a 4th,5th and a DNF each.

It was good to see new members to the Kestrel fleet, Alan and Julie managing to find plenty of boat speed. I’m sure the help and tips from all including class chairman Dusty Miller may well spur them on to race with the Kestrels again. Once again Netley Sailing Club managed to lay on a wonderful weekend including a lively Saturday evening. Particular praise must go to Mike as race officer and his team who despite the conditions managed to get the full programme of 5 races in.

John Glasspool.