2010 Kestrel Winter Nationals - Stewartby Water Sailing Club

Report & Results
24th October

A chilly start to the day lead to a very pleasant days sailing as the sun shone and rain held off (at Stewartby at least). The South Easterly wind direction provided us with good long beats up the length of the lake followed by a series of downwind legs, however large shifts allowed for gains to be made and place changing throughout each of the three races.

In race one Dusty Miller & John Ellingham made a clean start to lead the fleet round from the first windward mark. Liam Pike & Al Luxford, getting used to sailing a Kestrel 2000, lost second place to Paul Jarvey & Ruth Ivory on the last beat. Liam & Al regained the position on the downwind legs, however Paul & Ruth headed for the opposite end of the finish line and took second as they tacked to clear the committee boat for the closest finish of the day. Ian Rintoul & Richard Anthony had a clear sail to take fourth.

In race two Paul & Ruth tacked onto port for clear air and space and managed to stay in contention, rounding the windward mark ahead of Dusty & John and Liam & Al. Dusty & John took the lead once spinnakers were flying and again stayed out in front without any further challenges. Liam & Al managed to take Paul & Ruth downwind and stay ahead upwind to take second. Ian & Richard claimed third as Paul & Ruth lost time recovering spinnaker sheets from under the boat.

Dusty & John took race three for a clean sweep leaving Liam & Al and Paul & Ruth to decide the runner up spot. They were enjoying a close battle and swapping places again in the strongest wind of the day. With Liam & Al pushing, Paul & Ruth had a quick capsize following a rushed gybe whilst trying to hold off Liam & Al. This freed Liam & Al to sail the last lap with little pressure and secure second overall, Paul & Ruth recovering to keep their third place and third overall.

Jon and Rob Finch mixed it with Ian & Richard and the Kevins and hopefully enjoyed their first Kestrel open event. Thank you to Stewartby for hosting our Winter Nationals, as they do every year, particularly Karl Pountney as Race Officer and his team of volunteers manning safety boats in the bright but chilly conditions.

Paul Jarvey