2008 Traveller's Trophy - Results So Far!

Eastern Travellers 2008 Final Result

2008 Worlds Qualifiers

(2007 results and reports)

(2007 Traveller's Trophy Final Result)

In this section, latest first:

South Staffs SC Open Meeting
19th October

Results:
PositionSail NoHelmClub R1 R2 R3Points
12116 Nick Craig Frensham Pond11(3)2
22118Terry CurtisUpper Thames(2)213
32126Mike EdwardsSouth Staffs Sailing Club(4)325
42127Keith DuttonSouth Staffs36(9)9
52067Ed BradburnSouth Staffs5(DNF)510
62125 Neil GoodheadSouth Staffs(8)7411
72101Julian BurnhamUTSC(16)5611
82117Alex ScolesOvery Staithe(15)4812
92085 Chris White South Staffs6(8)713
102068 Anthony Woods Etherow109(12)19
112084 Keith Byers Morecombe & Heysham(12)111122
122128Ed DuttonSouth Staffs SC(18)131023
131774 Richard Burton West Oxford(17)101323
142130Deryck LovegroveKingsmead915(17)24
152107 Daz Prior South Windermere1312(16)25
161980Keith MacauleySouth Staffs11(16)1526
172092Bill BradburnSouth Staffs(14)141428
182031Dave CooperOvery Staithe S.C.(19)171936
192108Colin SlevinSouth Staffs SC(22)181836
202129Alan AtkinBurghfield S.C.7(DNF)dnc37
212056 Andy Holmes South Staffs(20)192039
222034 Ben Steel Etherow2121(DNS)42
241728Chris MurrayWest Oxfordshire2420(DNF)44
232074 Roger Cooper Upper Thames(25)222244
252049Adam WilsonWelland Yacht Club2623(DNS)49
262032 Mike Reeder Redesmere S.C.(DNF)dnc2151
271998Sam WoodsEtherow23(DNS)dnc53
281959 David Taylor South Staffs27(DNF)dnc57
291927 Colin Page Calshot28(30)dnc58

South Staffs Open, 2008, photo Gavin Waldren

Report: Mike Edwards

On Sunday the 19th October the OK fleet gathered at South Staffs SC for the annual OK Open meeting. The Vintage Boat Championships was also run as part of the event. Many had been at the club the previous day to watch or take part in the Youth & Junior Championships and woke to thick heads following the previous evening’s fun & games.

When all were counted, there was a superb entry of 29 boats. The wind was very shifty all day and varied between 10-22 knots, which tested all the competitors.

Race 1
Started first time somehow, as the line was very port biased. Nick Craig managed to tack onto port quickly and led up the first beat. Some had been left behind at the crash site at the port end (Why not admit who caused this debacle, Mike? - Ed). Craig led at the first mark from Keith Dutton and Terry Curtis recovering well after a poor start. These three then went on to pull out a gap from super veteran Alan Atkin and juniors Chris White and Ed Bradburn.

As the race progressed, Curtis constantly challenged Craig for the lead, with Dutton still in contention. Behind, Mike Edwards was working his way through the fleet after being left for dead at the start. At the final mark Craig was in control and covered Curtis to take the win, with Dutton in 3rd. Edwards just had enough on the final upwind leg to snatch 4th from Bradburn, White and Atkin.

The first vintage boat to finish was Keith Macauley in 11th place, from Richard Burton in 17th.

Race 2
Race 2, 1st downwind leg. Photo: Emma FlowersAfter lunch race 2 got underway and it was Curtis who led at the windward mark, followed by Alex Scoles and Craig. Sailing was tight with Curtis and Craig swapping places at the front. Scoles could not quite keep up and eventually he was caught by Edwards, with Julian Burnham flying off wind in fifth. At the finish it was again Craig who had assumed command over Curtis, to finish in that order. Edwards enjoyed a comfortable 3rd in the end from Scoles and Burnham 5th.

The honors in the vintage boat race, this time went to Burton from Macauley.

Race 3
Craig was looking for his third win of the day, but it was Curtis and Edwards who led up the first beat. Craig was not far behind, but did himself no favors by sailing for the wrong mark. Curtis and Edwards rounded in front and immediately developed a decent gap from Bradburn and Neil Goodhead. Craig rounded in the top ten. Curtis and Edwards extended the gap on the rest, with Edwards never quite getting close enough to challenge. Craig had worked his way to third and behind there was a good tussle between Goodhead, Burnham, Bradburn, White and Scoles. Curtis took the gun from Edwards close in 2nd. Craig had closed a little on the front two in third, with Goodhead winning the tussle for 4th from Bradburn.

Burton secured the Vintage Boat Championships with 13th overall, from Macauley who finished in 16th place.

The fleet came ashore to enjoy one of South Staffs legendary free teas. There were plenty of great prizes to give out courtesy of Purple Sails, Pinnell & Bax and a mystery donation. Commodore Mike Owen started by presenting the Vintage Boat trophy to Richard Burton. The best turned out Vintage Boat prize was awarded to Keith Macauley. Carol Danbury then presented the beautifully carved wooden OK trophy, which is a replica of her late husband’s beloved OK. This is awarded to the first South Staffs junior, which was Ed Bradburn and followed a very touching speech from Carol. The prize giving came to a finally with Nick Craig graciously thanking the competitors and South Staffs SC for a great weekend's sailing and hospitality.

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OK Youth and Junior Championship
18th Oct, South Staffs SC

Results:
PositionSail NoHelmClub R1 R2 R3Points
12126Will CroxfordSouth Staffs(4)112
22125Adam ParrySouth Staffs1(2)23
32128Ed DuttonSouth Staffs23(5)5
42116Chris WhiteSouth Staffs3(5)36
52117Richard BurtonW. Oxford54(DSQ)9
62107Chris TooleyS. Windermere(DSQ)6410
72108James CroxfordSouth Staffs68(DNF)14
82105Alex FrostSouth Cerney7(13)714
92074Seonaid FlemingSouth Staffs(9)7815
102127Sarah DaviesSouth Staffs(10)10616
112085Mark FlemingSouth Staffs8(DNF)917
121980Alastair MacaulaySouth Staffs119(DNF)20
132092Sam BlocksidgeSouth Staffs(DSQ)111021
142056Eleanor DaviesSouth Staffs(12)121224
152068Sam WoodsEtherow(DSQ)141125
161998Ben SteelEtherow(DSQ)151429
171963Adrian WalkerSouth Staffs(DNF)DNFDNS38
182049Emma FlowersWelland YC(DNF)DNSDNS38
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Report: Mike Edwards

Well what a day!!

On Saturday the 18th October the first OK Dinghy Youth & Junior Championships for a few years was hosted by South Staffs SC. To say the day was a success would not do it justice!

Eighteen sailors were warmly greeted by the club, with bacon rolls on offer to prepare them for the day ahead. The wind varied between 10-18 knots all day, with some pretty hefty gusts at times that kept the rescue crew busy.

Start, Race 1 
Race 1 – Got underway well and with a shifty first beat it was Richard Burton from West Oxford who led at the windward mark, closely followed by Chris Tooley from South Windermere and South Staffs hotshots Chris White, Will Croxford and Adam Parry. By the third mark the South Staffs lads had hit the front with Parry taking command from White and Croxford. Race 1 Sarah Davies was the first of the four girls and well up in 7th place. Parry then went on to produce a master class in boat handling and ability to pull out a huge lead on the rest, who were all sailing well and impressing the excited senior OK sailors on the bank. By the end, it was Parry who took the gun with ease. Behind, there was a great ding dong for 2nd with Ed Dutton taking it after recovering from an awful start. White took 3rd from Croxford, Burton and Tooley. Seonaid Fleming overtook Sarah Davies to win the ladies battle, finishing in very credible 9th and 10th places.

Race 2 – After a superb South Staffs lunch, race 2 got underway first time with many of the fleet bang on the line and motoring. The best of these was Davies who popped out to lead. Parry reached the windward mark first but then capsized right on it. This caused some chaos and it was Dutton that rounded first from Croxford. These two then pulled out a nice gap on White and Parry. With the wind increasing slightly and some damaging gusts coming down the pond there were a number of capsizes throughout the race, but it was great to see all but two complete the race. Croxford then worked his way past Dutton to lead with Parry hot on their tails. At the start of the penultimate lap Parry caught a big lift to catch Croxford, but Croxford was not going to give this one up easily. At the finish Croxford had established a comfortable lead to take the gun from Parry, Dutton and Burton.

Race 3 – All was to play for and with the wind increasing it was Parry who led at the first mark. By the second mark Parry and Croxford had created a small gap. Parry then stamped his authority on the Championship by pulling away from Croxford. However, much to the excitement of the spectators, Croxford started to reel Parry in, with Burton chasing in third. Behind there was another battle developing between White, Dutton, Tooley and Mark Fleming enjoying the breeze. At the final mark Parry rounded first with Croxford on his transom! Croxford tacked followed by Parry covering, but Parry dropped his mainsheet loosing a few valuable seconds. All the way to the finish it was nip and tuck, who was going to win? Croxford managed to find a little more pressure to take the gun and the Championship by two boat lengths from Parry. Wow, what a finish! White came home 3rd from Tooley, Dutton and Sarah Davies well up in 6th.

At the prize giving Will collected both the youth and junior trophies as he is still only 17 years old. Seonaid Fleming won the ladies prize finishing 9th overall and Sarah Davies in 10th respectively.

The fleet came ashore to enjoy one of South Staffs legendary free teas and then gathered around the television. The second race was filmed by the Class Chairman with Nick Craig providing the commentary. They were graciously driven around the reservoir by Homer Goodhead who tried his hardest to send the Chairman overboard, but failed. Nick then took the fixated crowd through the footage offering tips and praise along the way. Nick was clearly impressed by the standard of sailing he had witnessed, so the future is bright!

The club then laid on a terrific barbecue and skittles night, with those who were old enough partying into the night.

Thanks must go all the South Staffs volunteers who worked so hard to make the day a success. Especially Bill Bradburn for all his efforts in organizing the Championships. Purple Sails, Pinnell & Bax and the person or persons for the very generous donation for their support.

Following the success of this year’s event, the OK Class will be organizing a Youth & Junior Championships next year (venue & date tba). If you are interested in competing but do not own an OK, we will find you one to borrow. Please follow the link to the OK website and sign up for 2009 - www.okdinghy.co.uk

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Inland Championships, Northampton SC
4th & 5th October

Results:
PositionSail NoHelmClub R1 R2 R3 R4 R5Points
12119 Robert Deaves Waldringfield22(3)116
22126 Mike Edwards South Staffs Sailing Club3(DNC)23210
32122Jon FishWaldringfield5142(DNC)12
42117Alex ScolesOvery Staithe44(DNC)6418
52101Julian BurnhamUTSC(8)765523
62127Keith DuttonSouth Staffs(9)687627
7SWE 99Hans Elkjaer12(DNF)114330
82128 Ed Dutton South Staffs SC(10)8910734
92118Terry CurtisUpper Thames1131(DNC)dnc43
101774Richard BurtonWest Oxford13(DNS)15121353
112031Dave Cooper Overy Staithe S.C.17(DNC)14131054
122125Neil Goodhead South Staffs(DNC)dnc109855
132130Deryck LovegroveKingsmead15(DNC)1714955
142092Bill BradburnSouth Staffs16(DNC)17141155
152124 Dave RoseBHYC15(DNC)dncdnc62
162107 Daz Prior South Windermere(DNC)dnc12111263
172120 Dan Ager Waldringfield6(DNC)5dncdnc67
182084 Keith Byers Morecombe & Heysham(DNF)dnc78dnc71
192065Simon ShawDeben14(DNC)1616dnc74
202123 Andy Turner Overy Staithe7(DNC)dncdncdnc91
212104 Paul Pike Covenham(DNS)dnc2017dnc93
221728Chris Murray(DNF)dnc1918dnc93
232116 Sam Minns(DNC)dnc18dncdnc102
242049Adam WilsonWelland Yacht Club(DNC)dnc21dncdnc105
252074 Roger Cooper Upper Thames(DNF)dncdncdncdnc112
251927 Colin Page Calshot(DNS)dncdncdncdnc112
251959 David Taylor South Staffs(DNC)dncdncdncdnc112

Report: Jon Fish

Despite the forecast of extreme weather, 27 OK Dinghies convened at Northampton Sailing Club on Pitsford Reservoir for the 2008 Inland National Championship held in very wet and windy conditions. Five races were completed, with four different race winners showing the closeness of the fleet, despite the conditions.

Dave Rose powered up the first beat of the day to round in the lead, closely followed by Robert Deaves, Jon Fish and Terry Curtis. At the end of the first reach, the first monster gust of the day took Curtis out of contention for the race. Fish then decided a cavalier gybe was worth the gamble, but predictably capsized, leaving Rose and Deaves with a useful margin at the front. Over the rest of the course, Rose's conservative sailing and upwind speed enabled him to take the race win. Deaves escaped the carnage of a leeward mark pitchpoling by Fish and held onto second at the finish. Mike Edwards recovered well to take third, while Alex Scoles nailed the last beat to just grab fourth.

Race 2 started in a nice 'little' 30 knot puff with Edwards, Rose and Deaves in command at the first mark in a heavily reduced fleet. Fish managed the first gybe this time to take him back into contention after a late start.

Edward's race was cut short by a snapped kicker, leaving Fish and Deaves to battle it out for the race win. Fish had a great third beat and looked to have a comfortable gap, until the last beat when Deaves reeled in 100 metres. Fish won by a boatlength from Deaves, with Curtis coming through to take third.

At this stage, the fleet decided to retire for the day to try to use beer to recover, looking forward to more moderate breeze (and rain) on the Sunday. As the beer flowed, Commodore Ian Castle informed the fleet of the 42 knots recorded just prior to the start of the second race.

Inlands 08, Sunday. (Photo: Miss Emma Flowers) On Sunday, with the breeze in the opposite direction and a few knots less, the races remained hectic, but there were fewer capsizes. Edwards and Curtis recovered from their Saturday issues - with Curtis particularly enjoying the reaches to overtake Edwards and hold on to the win race 3. Edwards kept second easily with Deaves in third. Unfortunately gear failure put pay to the rest of Curtis' event at this stage, changing the landscape somewhat.

Fish won the pin in Race 4 and used the advantage to round the top mark clear ahead. However, Deaves rolled Fish on the penultimate upwind leg to take the race win, with Edwards third. Hans Elkjaer, over from Sweden for the event, started showing some form to take fourth.

Inlands 08, Sunday. (Photo: Miss Emma Flowers)The numbers meant that going into the last race, the top three were clear, with Deaves just ahead. Fish could still steal the event if he won the race, but Edwards could take second if he finished in front of Fish.

In the final race in 15-20 knots, Deaves didn't bother taking Fish out at the start, but kept him in close check, knowing that his upwind pace should get the job done. Edwards had a great first beat, opening up a good lead from Deaves and Fish at the first mark. Elkjaer caught Fish downhill to round the leeward mark third, with Scoles coming through into fourth and Julian Burnham fifth.

Deaves wasn't to be upstaged though, taking his second race win of the day, and the event, by overhauling Edwards at the end of the final upwind. Edwards' second was good enough for second overall, even without Fish inspecting his centreboard again. Scoles' fourth place kept him safe in fourth overall, with Julian Burnham fifth.

Weary bodies gathered for the prizegiving, with the top six being rewarded for their efforts. The Junior prize of a 'skateboard' deservedly went to Ed Dutton, who sailed like a Ninja to finish eighth overall. Richard Burton also sailed like a Ninja to finish tenth overall, second junior and first vintage boat.

Dave Cooper found something special to win the Masters prize, but more impressively finished in eleventh place. The team trophy was snapped up by South Staffs SC with three boats in the top ten.

Special praise needs to go to Hans Elkjaer who endured a mammoth journey and some traditional British weather to come over from Sweden for the event.

Thanks again must go to all involved at Northampton SC for organizing and laying on such a great event. For rescuing us, watering and feeding us, but most of all for making us feel so welcome....Thank you!

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Belgian Open Championships
13th-14th September

Results:
1st Terry Curtis GBR2118 7pts
2nd Ralf Mackmann GER711 14pts
3rd Jorg Rademacher GER730 15pts
4th Christian Heinz GER605 19pts
5th Yannick Laumans BEL205 21pts
6th Maurice Slap BEL203 26pts
7th Paul Verrijdt BEL214 29pts
8th Ronny Poelman BEL220 35pts
9th Heinz Ridder GER651 47pts
10th Rod Andrew BEL1 52pts
11th Stephan Klaus GER615 61pts
12th Thomas Neveling GER664 62pts
13th Joost Rommelaere BEL56 62pts
14th Koen Hopsy BEL0 68pts
15th Maxime Manca FRA1336 72pts
16th Torsten Albrecht GER596 77pts
17th Jan Bechmann GER567 79pts
18th Jan Taelman BEL4 82pts
19th Uli Borchen GER587 86pts
20th Susanne Mackmann GER723 99pts
21st Arne Good NED657 102pts
22nd Alexandre Rosier BEL 108pts
23rd Dominique Istasse BEL125 108pts
24th Denis Gilles BEL5 109pts
25th James Andrew GBR2090 113pts
26th Thierry Demblon BEL44 135pts
Lots of great pics at www.pixagogo.be/3837314176. Photos by Erik De Smedt (who took the pics shown here as well).

Report: Terry Curtis

Shaky moment on the start line 26 OKs from 5 nations attended the Belgian National Championships on Lake Galgenweel in Antwerp over the weekend 13-14th Sept. Due to major disruptions on the channel crossings due to the tunnel fire, only 2 British entries made the trip from the UK.

After a short delay Saturdays racing got underway in a very shifty, patchy North Westerly blowing across the lake. As the day progressed the wind veered to the east & settled a little. Terry Curtis from the UK finished the day with 3,1,3 to hold a narrow lead from Belgian Yannick Laumans with 4,4,1 & Jorg Rademacher of Germany with 1,5,4 in third place.

Strictly stable: Terry sails off with another champs True to tradition, the host club put on a fantastic BBQ with an appropriate amount of free beer, to ensure a sound nights sleep. Sunday dawned with a very welcome force four from the North East & bright sunshine which stayed throughout the day. Curtis made the most of the conditions winning all three races to take the championship with a race to spare. Germanys Ralf Machman took 3 second places losing race 5 by only half a length. Laumans couldn't get to grips with the conditions & slipped to 5th place overall with Rademacher doing enough to keep 3rd overall.

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Ardleigh SC Open Meeting
13th September

Results:
PositionSail NoHelmClub R1 R2 R3Points
12045Will TurnerOvery Staithe11(1)2
22100 John BallArdleigh22(2)4
32123 Andy Turner Overy Staithe34(DNF)7
42059Peter TurnerOvery Staithe5(6)38
52120 Dan Ager Waldringfield45(DNF)9
62130Deryck LovegroveKingsmead6(BFD)410
72124 Dave RoseRoyal Harwich YC83(DNF)11
81968 Jack Grogan Ardleigh7(7)512
92131Nigel Grogan(10)9615
102071 Bob Bourne Upriver9(10)716
112065Simon ShawDeben128(DNF)20
12968John Archer1112(DNF)23
13196Oliver Shaw1311(DNF)24
142005Robert ArcherArdleigh1413(DNF)27

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Report: Andy Turner

The dire forecast turned out to be not quite as bad as predicted in that the sun came out at around 11am. The wind kept coming and then disappearing making it difficult for race officer Steve Ede and his crew of Sam Ede and Keith Harvey.

Will Turner & John Ball Race 1 got away with Will Turner commanding the pin closely followed round the windward mark by Andy Turner and John Ball. Will extended his lead through the race and finished 1st, chased by John who finished 2nd. In the mean time Dan Ager pulled through to third and Dave Rose to 4th. Andy got a good shift to regain 3rd place by the finish from Dan in 4th and somehow Dave sank back to 8th.

Race 2 saw Pete Turner in the lead up the first beat, only to lose out by the windward mark to Will Turner and Dan Ager in a big shift on the right of the course. Will and Dan engaged in a long luffing duel on the run which let Pete back into the lead by the leeward mark with John Ball in second. John and Will both passed Pete on the next beat and then had a really good duel with Will eventually getting an overlap at the leeward mark and covering John to the finish of the shortened course. Dave Rose finished 3rd, Andy 4th, Dan 5th and Pete 6th. Deryck Lovegrove sat this race out having been black flagged.

OKs ar Ardleigh Race 3. Will, Andy and Pete Turner all came off the line in good style, but again John Ball had gained the lead by the first mark. These 4 boats were joined by Nigel Grogan in his smart new Scoles boat on the run and all 5 boats went into the leeward mark abreast (unfortunately with me on the outside!). After a short fetch the next run turned into a beat half way along and Deryck Lovegrove came steaming up. On the next leg the wind died completely and Steve Ede wisely shortened by which time Will was back in the lead with John Ball 2nd, Pete Turner 3rd and Deryck 4th.

Both Will Turner and John Ball were in the right frame of mind and sailed extremely well in the conditions, a cut above the rest of us. Many thanks to Alec Mumford in the safety boat.

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Rooster National Championship, Parkstone YC
23rd-25th August

Results:
PositionSail NoHelmClub R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 R8Points
12118Terry CurtisUpper Thames111(6)11229
22116Jim HuntSutton SC3242(5)41117
32120Dan AgerWaldringfield(9)334284428
42122Jon FishWaldringfield24234(BFD)16334
52126Mike EdwardsSouth Staffs SC118(BFD)7633644
62117Alex ScolesOvery Staithe(16)1085727847
72084Keith Byers Morecombe & Heysham8961(10)781049
82123Andy Turner Overy Staithe45(BFD)21896558
92124Dave RoseRoyal Harwich YC777(14)11691158
102101Julian BurnhamUTSC12(20)58131110968
112085Gavin Waldron South Staffs61111(22)91312769
122121Anthony Rich Oxford5612(17)141651573
132127Keith DuttonSouth Staffs1012(14)13125111275
142064Chris Arnell Christchurch171391031251180
152112J.P.WilliamsWest Oxford1417139171417(18)101
162125Neil Goodhead South Staffs1514101818(20)1513103
172128Ed DuttonSouth Staffs1322151115(23)1414104
181968Jack Grogan Ardleigh201818121610(DNS)dnc128
192102Andrew DayWest Oxford(23)21201919211816134
202065Simon ShawDeben22191623261820(DNS)144
212131Nigel Grogan2118(BFD)152115dncdnc156
222059Peter TurnerOvery Staithe1915(DNS)182217dncdnc157
232092Bill BradburnSouth Staffs25231725232421(DNS)158
242031Dave CooperOvery Staithe282619262022(DSQ)DSQ175
252104Paul Pike Covenham(29)29222928272417176
261966Tim O'LearyFelixstowe Ferry2425(BFD)27251922dnc176
272129Alan AtkinBurghfield S.C.1828(BFD)202425dncdnc183
281774Richard BurtonWest Oxford272721(DNS)272623dnc185
292068Anthony Woods Etherow2624(DNS)24dncdnc19dnc195
302058Mary Reddyhoff Parkstone3130(DNS)2829dnc25dnc211
312034Ben Steel Etherow323123(DNF)dncdncdncdnc222
322083Chris BiscombFishers Green30(DNF)dncdncdncdncdncdnc234
331998Sam WoodsEtherow33(DNF)dncdncdncdncdncdnc237


Sailing Scenes photo gallery
Event photos from Rodney

Report: Dan Ager

After being runner up on too many occasions, Terry Curtis from Upper Thames SC finally went one place better and won the OK nationals, sponsored by Rooster Sailing and hosted by Parkstone Yacht Club over the 23rd, 24th and 25th August.

Although pushed hard by both Jim Hunt and initially Jonathon Fish he always had enough to keep ahead and counting 5 first places, 2 second places and discarding a sixth gave a comfortable lead on the scoreboard if not always on the water.

The event was preceded by a training session led by Nick Craig. A dozen or so sailors had classroom lecture followed by a good session out on the water and then watched themselves on film afterwards. It must have been good as the top 3 in the nationals were all in attendance!

The eight race series was held out in Poole Bay in generally breezy conditions with enough waves to make going downwind fun.

Day 1
Was a long day, the fleet leaving shore at 11am getting back at 7pm. Jon Fish had a good day, leading for much of first two races only to be taken by Curtis in the later stages, this combined with a 4th place in race three left him in second spot overnight. Jim Hunt having scored 3,2,4 in third. Andy Turner performed well with a 4 and 5 in the first two races only to be black flagged in race three. Tony Rich also started well with a 5,6 but followed that with a 12. Julian Burnham sailed well to land 5th in the last race. But it was Curtis who sailed home happiest having a perfect scoreline of 1,1,1.

Day 2
Racing began in lighter winds with Curtis followed by Alex Scoles in the leading positions. They were both caught out by the shifty conditions and at the finish Keith Byers on his 52nd birthday took the gun followed by Hunt, the Fish, Ager and Scoles. Curtis back in 6th. This was Byers first nationals race win, after coming close a few times over the years and a popular win with the fleet. A big shift in the next race could have shuffled up the places more than it did. Those on the left hand side of the beat watched those on the right benefiting. Curtis in the middle and far enough ahead managed to maintain his lead. Hunt who was in 2nd and Dan Ager in 3rd and on the left were also far enough ahead not to come out too badly. Ager also had the presence of mind to tack across on a big header to secure 2nd spot. Chris Arnell getting a comfortable 3rd proving not everyone needs a carbon mast to be at the front. Fish who was on the right being taken from mid fleet back to 4th. Hunt ended up 5th. So far Fish was having a consistent series with all top 4 finishes. Fish used his discard in the third race of the day when he was black flagged. Curtis won with Scoles again near the front getting 2nd and Mike Edwards beginning a late charge for a good overall position with a 3rd. Hunt finished in 4th with Keith Dutton well up in 5th. With the discard now being used Curtis was counting five 1sts and a 10 point lead from Hunt and Fish in 2nd and 3rd.

Day 3
The final day brought with it the most wind. Fish having until this point been unusually consistent managed to return to usual form by capsizing, losing his glasses and finishing 16th. Curtis was content to sail round in 2nd place behind Hunt to secure the championship and Edwards again in 3rd. Ager again sailing well into 4th and Rich 5th even after snapping his tiller extension in two. Ager now only counting one result out of the top 4 moved into 3rd place overall with a comfortable points cushion on Fish. The final race of the Championship had some real breeze making for excellent reaches and runs. Hunt again winning from Curtis, Fish and Ager with Andy Turner in 5th place.

All four juniors competing sailed well in the testing conditions during the Championship, with Ed Dutton from South Staffs SC taking the junior title from Richard Burton, West Oxford. Ben Steel and the very young and light Sam Woods from Etherow SC also deserve congratulating for sailing well. South Staffs SC won the Thorpe Trophy for the top team of the Championship. The Vintage boat title was won by Tim O'Leary and Jon Fish won the 'Brixham Bonnet' (a rather embarrassing hat) for his usual and entertaining antics on the water.

The racing was slick and well run by Brian Drake and his team and as always the facilities provided by Parkstone YC were excellent, so thanks to all concerned. Thanks must also go to Rooster sailing for generously providing the prizes to go with the many OK trophies that were up for grabs.

Next year the class heads back to Dabchicks SC for the National Championships, which will no doubt prove to be just as competitive as this year.

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Overy Staithe SC Open Meeting
2nd & 3rd August

Results:
PositionSail NoHelmClub R1 R2 R3 R4Points
12119Robert DeavesWaldringfield111(4)3
22117Alex ScolesOvery Staithe22(7)26
32123Andy Turner Overy Staithe323(5)8
42125Neil GoodheadSouth Staffs44(5)311
52065Simon ShawDeben(7)36615
62059Peter TurnerOvery Staithe(dnc)dnc4117
72130Deryck LovegroveKingsmead65(9)718
82031Dave CooperOuse Amateur S.C.567(8)18
92104 Paul PikeCovenham888(9)24
102048 Rodney ThorneUpper Thames(dns)dnc101032
112005 Rob ArcherArdleigh(dns)dncdnf1135

Eleven boats took part in this annual pilgrimage to the North Norfolk coast to celebrate the opening of the new club house. Racing was out at sea on both days.

Robert Deaves Day 1 was brilliantly sunny with a force 4 offshore wind. Robert Deaves took the lead from the start gun in race 1, chased round the course by Alex Scoles and Andy Turner, but never headed.

Race 2 was led all the way round by Andy Turner, but won by Robert Deaves, with Andy second and Simon Shaw clawing his way up to third after Alex went swimming at the gybe mark.

Day 2 dawned overcast and with less wind and with Pete Turner putting in a guest appearance. Neil Goodhead showed good speed with his new C-Tech mast in chasing Robert Deaves and Andy Turner at the windward mark. Alex Scoles sailed well to pull through to second behind Robert with Andy Turner third.

ok fleet The fourth race was the best of the day with much place changing. Peter Turner crossed the fleet on port at the start and he and Alex rounded the windward mark together chased by Andy Turner. Alex Scoles flew down the reaches with his trial Rooster sail to take the lead. Five boats were trying to pick out the shifts on the second beat against a roaring tide but in the end Pete got back into the lead again and took the winning gun from Alex and Neil Goodhead.

Many thanks to the Overy Staithe race team who set excellent courses and managed the racing very well.

Report: Andy Turner

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Hunstanton SC Open Meeting
28th, 29th June

Results:
PositionSail NoHelmClub R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6Points
12116 Nick Craig Frensham Pond111(3)126
22118Terry CurtisUpper Thames(2)221218
32122Jon FishWaldringfield(dnf)3323314
42123 Andy Turner Overy Staithe48544(dnf)25
52124 Dave RoseRoyal Harwich YC5575(14)426
62101Julian BurnhamUTSC7(9)675732
72045Alistair DeavesWakatere SC(10)6967634
82121 Anthony Rich Oxford810(11)86537
92084 Keith Byers Morecombe & Heysham(12)11898844
102120Dan Ager Waldringfield374(dns)dnc1750
112130Deryck LovegroveKingsmead1312(14)119954
122117Alex ScolesOvery Staithe6410(dns)dnc1756
132107 Daz Prior South Windermere11(14)1312121260
142125 Neil GoodheadSouth Staffs9131210(dnf)dnc63
151774Richard BurtonWest Oxford14(16)1616101167
162031Dave CooperOvery Staithe(DNC)dncdnc13111072
172104 Paul Pike Covenham1615(17)14151373
182083Chris BiscombFishers Green1517151513(dnc)75

18 OK's, including 1 Kiwi, travelled to North Norfolk for their last open meeting Alistair Deaves leads Julian Burnham and Keith Byers before the Worlds kick off in Warnemunde next weekend.

The prevailing F3/4 + sunshine conditions helped it on its way to being a great fun event - the quality of opposition and good courses didn’t hurt either…

Hunstanton Sailing club were great hosts, laying on good courses, despite a few starting headaches with a big tide under the fleet. They also kindly hosted a hog-roast and party which made Saturday evening very enjoyable.

Nick Craig won the event, showing moments of brilliance and great pace to win 4 of the six races…but due to a few factors it was a close run thing most of the races, partly helped by some mixed start line tactics / fortune.

Downhill flyer Terry Curtis won races 4 and 6 by grinding away and taking the lead on the last reach of both races, to take a second place overall. Terry had a thoroughly 'good day' in Sunday's slightly fresher and wavier conditions.

Third overall was Jon Fish, who recovered from an upwind swim in Race 1 (boat maintenance is not his thing...) to score thirds in almost all the other races. With Nick having issues, Fish looked to have race 4 in the bag only for Terry to serenely blast past him.

Evergreen Andy Turner and Dave Rose were fourth and fifth respectively, both showing great upwind pace and tenacity, frequently rounding the windward mark in the first few places.

Having returned to the class after an absence for a couple of years, former champ Rose seems to be getting his new ship into the groove, going worrryingly fast uphill.

Token Kiwi Alistair Deaves consistently mixed it in the top 6, but didn’t quite have the pace in the borrowed boat to make a challenge for the top placings. Alex Scoles and Dan Ager both had top 5 finishes on day one, with Alex leading Race 2 for quite a while, but shamefully decided that boat bimbling was better than racing on day two.

All in all, a great weekend with the whole fleet enjoying the conditions, close racing and a good warm-up for the forthcoming worlds....

Report: Terry Curtis
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Upper Thames SC Open Meeting
20th, 21st June

Results:
HelmClubSail NoPointsOverall POS
Terry CurtisUpper ThamesGBR211861
Julian BurnhamUpper ThamesGBR2101122
Gavin WaldronSouth StaffsGBR2085193
Mick HaigUpper ThamesGBR2086224
Darren PriorWindermereGBR2107225
Mike EdwardsSouth StaffsGBR2126256
Jim HowdenUpper ThamesGBR2088267
Garth ThompsonUpper ThamesGBR2090308
Roland GabsbyUpper ThamesGBR2062339
Alex HobernUpper ThamesGBR19834010
Roy BurnhamUpper ThamesGBR21156311
Alan AtkinBurghfieldGBR21296412
Roger CooperUpper ThamesGBR20746613
Neil GoodheadSouth StaffsGBR21256714
Sam PrestonUpper ThamesGBR19626715
Chris BiscombFishers GreenGBR20836716
Vanessa PilonUpper ThamesGBR12866917
Tom PrestonUpper ThamesGBR18037518
Derek BerryUpper ThamesGBR20977719
Chris RidleyUpper ThamesGBR20137820
David FinlaysonUpper ThamesGBR19398421
Rodney ThorneUpper ThamesGBR20488422

Report: Gavin Waldron

22 OK's made the trip to Upper Thames Sailing Club on the weekend of 21-22 June. The overnight rain held off for most of the day but the weather was overcast with the wind ranging from force 1 to 3, although the direction meant that much of the race area was in a wind shadow.

Jim Howden worked his way through the fleet on the left bank to lead at the first mark followed by Julian Burnham and junior Alex Hobern. Terry Curtis worked his way back from choosing the less favoured right hand bank, but he could not catch Howden who led all the way round, with Curtis 2nd and Hobern 3rd.

The second race was a close race between Curtis, Burnham and Mike Edwards, with all three taking turns in 1st place and Alan Atkin leading the chasing pack. Edwards took the race with Curtis 2nd and Burnham 3rd.

Oks at UTSC, photo Chris Biscomb Overnight the weather changed and Sunday brought sunshine and a fresh breeze blowing straight down the river, topping out at 30 knots on the club anemometer. Mike Edwards took an early lead but allowed Curtis to overtake when rounding the home mark in the wrong direction. The first 3 developed a good lead from the chasing pack but Edwards gave up his 2nd as he failed to unwind following his earlier mark rounding error, giving 2nd to Julian Burnham and Gavin Waldron 3rd.

Prizewinners at UTSC, photo Martin Collen Mike Edwards led the 4th Race from start to finish, closely chased by Neil Goodhead. The leading pair pulled away from the rest of the field with Terry Curtis in 3rd. By now the strong and gusty wind had taken its toll and the fleet was depleted for the final race after lunch. Big shift at the start made for a very close first beat with Edwards, Curtis Burnham and Waldron all very close. Curtis pulled away with Edwards and Burnham chasing. Daz Prior overtook Waldron and Garth Thompson and Mick Haigh were also pushing hard. Edwards caught up with Curtis just before the finish, with Curtis vigorously protecting his lead. This also allowed Burnham to close the gap, but in the end ran out of time, with Curtis holding his lead from Edwards, Burnham and Waldron.

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Oxford SC Open Meeting
7th June

Results:
Sail NoHelmClubPointsPlaceR1R2R3
2116Nick CraigFrensham Pond21111
2122Jon FishWaldringfield42232
2118Terry CurtisUpper Thames63624
2121Anthony RichOxford74347
2127Keith DuttonSSSC85553
2085Gavin WaldronSSSC106466
2130Derek LovegroveKingsmead1277115
2129Alan AtkinBurghfield1689713
2128Ed DuttonSSSC169888
1774Richard BurtonWOSC191010109
1983Alex HobernUpper Thames191112910
1963Alan PriceHayling Ferry2212111211
2074Roger CooperUpper Thames2513131312

Report: Terry Curtis

OKs at Oxford SCA small but competitive fleet of 13 OKs arrived at Oxford SC on Sat June 7th for the first of the Thames Valley travellers series.

Race 1 got underway in a northerly breeze which was variable both in direction & velocity. Frensham Pond's Nick Craig lead the race from start to finish, with the rest of the fleet playing snakes & ladders on the windward legs. Jon Fish took his ladder at the right time, to take second place from local boy Tony Rich & Gavin Waldron from South Staffs fourth.

Nick CraigAfter lunch race 2 started in 10-12 knots of breeze which was a little more stable. Craig again took the lead, this time closely pursued by Terry Curtis of Upper Thames. Craig was able to maintain a small lead & covered Curtis loosely around the course. Fish came through the fleet to third place, these positions were maintained to the finish.

OKs at Oxford SCThe wind held for race 3, which was the best of the day. Fish lead at the windward mark, followed by Craig & Curtis. Craig pulled through to lead at the end of a very one sided second beat, Fish was in the lead again at the Wing mark but was then overhauled by Curtis down the second reach. By the run Craig was back in touch & all 3 boats were neck & neck a t the leeward mark with much tactical manouvering. Craig eventually broke free by a couple of lengths to take first place, Fish held on for second with Keith Dutton coming in from the right hand corner to steal 3rd from Curtis in 4th.

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Dabchicks SC Open Meeting
31st May & 1st June

Results:
 
PositionSail NoHelmClub R1 R2Points
12117Alex ScolesOvery Staithe112
22126 Mike EdwardsSouth Staffs Sailing Club437
32121 Anthony RichOxford358
42116 Nick CraigFrensham Pond279
52105 Ian Harris Bristol Corinthian6612
62118Terry CurtisUpper Thames10414
71968 John Ball  7815
82120 Dan Ager Waldringfield51116
92101Julian BurnhamUTSC81422
102122Jon FishWaldringfield14923
112058 Mary Reddyhoff Parkstone91524
122119 Robert Deaves Waldringfieldocs228
132012 Jake Cracknell Ardleigh161228
142130Deryck Lovegrove151328
15218221032
162104 Paul Pike Covenham112233
172084 Keith Byers Morecombe & Heysham132033
181586 Lewis FairbrotherArdleigh SC171835
19217181937
202053Alan AtkinBurghfield211637
211917 Ben Woodcraft Overy Staithe12dnc38
222085 Gavin Waldron South Staffs241741
232083Chris BiscombFishers Green232144
242124Dave RoseFelixstowe Ferry19dnc45
252123 Andy Turner Overy Staithe20dnc46

Report: Anthony Rich

25 OKs travelled to Dabchicks Sailing Club for the 2nd qualifier for next years World Championships in Sweden. We were greeted by very light winds and so the racing was postponed for one hour which gave the fleet the opportunity for a first look at the new book, hot off the press, from Robert Deaves celebrating and documenting the history of the International OK dinghy.

Racing eventually got underway in 5 knots of breeze. After rounding the windward mark, much of the fleet overstated the effect of the tide to the wing mark leaving Alex Scoles to take a more direct approach and he pulled ahead. Nick Craig was second with Anthony Rich in third. Mike Edwards managed to steel four places along the final reach to finish fourth.

The second race saw even less wind. Scoles opened up another convincing lead from Robert Deaves while Terry Curtis found some pressure out to the left of the course but misjudged the tide and ended up reaching into the windward mark. The race finished Scoles first followed by Deaves, Edwards, with Curtis getting ahead of Rich along the final run as the wind died completely.

Day 2 saw the fleet head out to the race course early, more in hope than expectation, but the wind failed to materialize and after bobbing around for a few hours racing was abandoned and the fleet got a tow back home.

Final results then saw Alex Scoles take first place ahead of Mike Edwards second, Anthony Rich third and Nick Craig being shown he cannot have things all his own way in a lowly fourth.

Thanks as always to Dabchicks Sailing Club for their superb hospitality over the weekend.

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Felpham SC Open Meeting
17th & 18th May

Results:
Rank SailNo Helm Club R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 Total Nett Notes
1st 2116 Nick Craig Frensham Pond 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 (2.0) 1.0 7.0 5.0  
2nd 2118 Terry Curtis Upper Thames S.C. 2.0 (3.0) 2.0 2.0 1.0 2.0 12.0 9.0  
3rd 2105 Ian Harris BCYC 3.0 2.0 4.0 (8.0) 4.0 4.0 25.0 17.0  
4th 2120 Dan Ager Waldringfield S.C. 4.0 (9.0) 5.0 3.0 3.0 6.0 30.0 21.0  
5th 1944 Julian Burnham Upper Thames S. C. 7.0 (13.0) 3.0 9.0 11.0 3.0 46.0 33.0  
6th 217 Keith Dutton S.S.S.C. 6.0 5.0 9.0 (10.0) 6.0 7.0 43.0 33.0  
7th 2126 Mike Edwards South Staffs S.C. 11.0 4.0 10.0 7.0 (12.0) 5.0 49.0 37.0  
8th 2084 Keith Byers Morecombe and Heysham Y.C. 10.0 (17.0) 8.0 6.0 5.0 8.0 54.0 37.0  
9th 2117 Alex Scoles Overy Staithe S.C. 8.0 6.0 6.0 (11.0) 9.0 9.0 49.0 38.0  
10th 2085 Gavin Waldron South Staffs S.C. (15.0) 12.0 12.0 4.0 8.0 10.0 61.0 46.0  
11th 1968 John Ball Ardleigh SC 5.0 7.0 (15.0) 13.0 13.0 13.0 66.0 51.0  
12th 2124 David Rose BHYC 12.0 11.0 13.0 12.0 7.0 (23.0 DNC) 78.0 55.0  
13th 2123 Andy Turner Overy Staithe S.C. 13.0 8.0 7.0 5.0 (23.0 DNC) 23.0 DNC 79.0 56.0  
14th 2125 Neil Goodhead South Staffs S.C. 14.0 10.0 14.0 14.0 10.0 (23.0 DNC) 85.0 62.0  
15th 2037 Edward Dutton S.S.S.C. 21.0 19.0 11.0 (23.0 DNC) 14.0 11.0 99.0 76.0  
16th 2130 Deryck Lovegrove Kingsmead 19.0 15.0 (20.0) 15.0 15.0 12.0 96.0 76.0  
17th 2012 Jacob Cracknell Ardleigh S.C. 9.0 21.0 18.0 (23.0 DNF) 16.0 23.0 DNC 110.0 87.0  
18th 2068 Tony Woods Etherow S.C. 17.0 16.0 16.0 (23.0 DNF) 17.0 23.0 DNC 112.0 89.0  
19th 2107 Daz Prior South Windermere S.C. 16.0 14.0 17.0 (23.0 DNC) 23.0 DNC 23.0 DNC 116.0 93.0  
20th 2129 Alan Atkin Burchfield S.C. 18.0 20.0 19.0 (23.0 DNC) 23.0 DNC 23.0 DNC 126.0 103.0  
21st 2058 Mary Readyhoff Parkstone 20.0 18.0 22.0 (23.0 DNC) 23.0 DNC 23.0 DNC 129.0 106.0  
22nd 1983 Alex Hobern Upper Thames S.C. 22.0 22.0 21.0 (23.0 DNC) 23.0 DNC 23.0 DNC 134.0 111.0  

Start line, Felpham Open, May '08. Photo: Tania Samus, www.photoblink.co.uk Report: Ian Harris
What a weekend! 6 very close and competitive races held in ideal conditions, set on excellent courses by the superb team at Felpham, interspersed with a 60th birthday celebration for one of the all time OK legends, none other than the mystery wrapped in an enigma and posted to the wrong address, one of the kindest men you will ever meet, Rodney Thorne .

Saturday saw the OK's and Mustos welcomed to Felpham and sent out into 12 to 17 knots of North Easterly for three races, Off the mark quickly in race 1 , 3 times worlds champion Craig led all the way around, with Curtis pinching 2nd from a dozy Harris on the final run into the finish. Race 2 followed in much the same way but this time Harris fought off the challenges for 2nd of Curtis and Ager as Craig cruised to 2 wins. Race 3 saw Craig take the win from Curtis, whilst Burnham sped past Harris on the final reach to take 3rd.

The evening Curry and Quiz started quite early with everyone dressed as Birthday Boy Rodney T, sporting afro's and hi viz jackets. Great fun was had building marshmallow towers and answering challenging questions from the Felpham quizmaster, with champions Edwards and Thorne taking the fizzy pop.

Sunday dawned, and a stronger breeze met the early morning sailors who had to launch before 1300 fun runners filed past the clubhouse. Craig led race 4 from the start though a greatly improving Curtis and Ager pushed him all the way, cameo roles from Waldren and Edwards faded as the race continued, so another one in the bag for the invincible Craig... Yet race 5 saw Curtis pull away from the 3 times world champion who seemed so upset on the last reach that Ager took pity and let him through. So Curtis celebrated a memorable win, Craig sailed his discard and a delighted Ager took 3rd. Race 6 and it was back to the old routine, with some storming reaches down the increasing swell, Craig took the win from Curtis with Burnham again stealing 3rd place from Harris whilst pointedly singing "who ate all the pies" down the final reach to the finish. Some confusion was caused as the early retirement of Ager was grossly exaggerated, where in fact he should have been counted with another well earned 6th .

None of this excellent weekend would have been possible without the exceptional hosts Felpham SC, who put on one of the most memorable weekends for the OK's for some time, our thanks and appreciation to all those who gave their weekend for our enjoyment.

Results:
Rodney Craig: 1st. Rodney Curtis: 2nd. Rodney Harris: 3rd. Rod Ager: 4th.

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Spring Cup, RYC, Medemblik
26th & 27th April

Results:
PositionSail NoHelm R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6Points
1GBR2116Nick Craig(1)111115
2GBR2118Terry Curtis2(3)223211
3POL14Pawel Pawlaczyk423(6)2516
4GBR2122Jon Fish3(6)434317
5POL10Janusz Stobinski7468(9)934
6GER737Thorsten Schmidt(11)87410635
7GBR2120Dan Ager95(10)751036
8GBR2123Andy Turner875(12)71138
9SWE99Hans Elkjaer510(12)1111441
10POL16Marek Jarocki6118dnc(OCS)741
11POL1Jakub Kania1016(17)58847
12GBR2101Julian Burnham(14)9141061352
13POL101Bartosz Rakocy12121516(DNC)1267
14BEL214Paul Verrijdt(19)191315131474
15GER671Andreas Deubel20(21)91312(DNC)75
16POL61Jaroslav Spinalski13131114(DNC)dnc75
17GBR2130Deryck Lovegrove1615(21)19161581
18GBR2129Alan Atkin(22)181617141782
19GBR2065Simon Shaw17(20)1818171888
20GER607Christian Heinze181419(DNC)15dnc90
21GBR2031Dave Cooper(23)172220181996
22BEL220Ronny Poelman21(DNF)2021191697
23GER687Karsten Kath15(DNF)dncdncdncdnc111

Report: Jon Fish

Medemblik Regatta Centre (just the best racing! 23 OKs from 5 countries arrived at Royal Yacht Club Hollandia on 25/26 April for their annual Spring Cup. They were met with excellent conditions and the customary perfect race management and welcoming reception.

A mainly British contingent arrived early for a little practice (both on and off the water). The benefit from this was evident in Race 1 when they took a 1,2,3,

In the a picture perfect day, Nick Craig took race 1 a few lengths in front of Terry Curtis and Jon Fish who tussled for second. Terry motored past Jon on the reach to the finish to take second. Pavel Pawlaczyk from Poland came through the pack down the run to take 4th.

At the first mark in Race 2, after a few large shifts, the pecking order was somewhat changed, with Andy Turner best capitalizing to lead with Pavel, Janusz Stobinski (POL) and Dan Ager hot on his heels. Nick rounded in about 5th but gradually worked through the fleet to take the race win. Pavel managed to work past Andy down the run, and held on to second from Terry and Janusz.

Before retiring to excellent bitterballen and beer at the yacht club, the fleet had a great third race. In the 'outer-loop' trapezoid course, Fish picked up a nice gust down the first run to work past Nick and Terry, only to park-up in a hole at the leeward mark. Terry round first, only for Nick to split tacks and pick up the only significant shift of the next beat to come storming through... Typical!

Pavel also had a good beat to take third.

Nick Craig receives first prize from the RYC-Hollandia race officer, Eric Vliegenhaart Day 2, was a fairly similar affair, with slightly less breeze and unfortunately slightly more cloud. The results were similar with Nick turning on the turbo-charger to take the first two races.

Thorsten Schmidt (GER) found some form in the first race to take 4th, but couldn't quite keep with Terry and Fish who vied for second.

In the second race of the day, after early showings from Julian Burnham and Dan, Pavel again showed good pace to take second just (inches) from Terry, keeping the 2,3,4 positions open going in to the last race.

Nick duly completed the clean sweep by taking it - he sneaked past Jon and Andy at the end of the first beat, and took out a reasonable lead over the remainder. Behind him, places were swapping frequently, with Hans Elkjaer (SWE) and Terry in particular making ground down the run. Terry took second, and second overall. Despite losing in a photo finish to Hans, Pavel's fifth did enough to secure third.

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Burton SC Open Meeting
5th & 6th April

Results:
PositionSail NoHelmClub R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6Points
12118Terry CurtisUpper Thames2112(5)28
22126Mike EdwardsSouth Staffs Sailing Club13234(dnf)13
32123Andy TurnerOvery Staithe42376(dnf)22
42125Neil GoodheadSouth Staffs3566(7)323
52107Keith DuttonSouth Staffs765(8)2424
62092Bill BradburnSouth Staffs(10)7643727
72121 Anthony Rich Oxford5845(12)628
82037Ed DuttonSouth Staffs897(12)81143
92084 Keith Byers Morecombe & Heysham94(dnf)913843
102116 Nick Craig Frensham Pond(dns)dncdnc11143
112104 Paul Pike Covenham111211109(dnc)53
122031Dave Cooper Overy Staithe S.C.1211914(15)1056
132130Deryck LovegroveKingsmead13(dns)101114957
142012 Jake Cracknell Ardleigh610(dnf)1311dnc60
151586 Lewis Fairbrother Ardleigh SC141312(dnf)dnc1372
162049 Ben Steel ecpsc15(dnc)1315171474
172068 Anthony Woods Etherow(dnc)dncdncdnf10575
181927 Colin Page Calshot(dnf)dncdnc17181287
192048 Rodney Thorne Upper Thames(dnc)dncdnc16161587

Report: Andy Turner

After an absence of 6 years a 19 boat OK fleet was back at one of the classes' original strongholds for two excellent days of early season racing in a cold northerly wind gusting 5 amidst the hailstones hammering into the faces of competitors. In between the sun shone in a force 2.

Startline: L to R: Neil Goodhead, Terry Curtis (2118), Keith Byers (2084) Race 1 was led at the windward mark by Mike Edwards showing great speed in his new Idol Composites boat, followed by Jake Cracknell (junior OK sailor) in second. The beats were shifty and required considerable concentration but Mike hung on to win with Terry Curtis second and Neil Goodhead third. Jake sailed an excellent race to finish 6th

Race 2 the wind was howling. Terry Curtis led at the first mark but was passed on the second beat by Andy Turner (thought I'd get that bit in!). These two boats changed places on a couple more occasions with Terry eventually finishing first, Andy second, Mike third and Keith Byers fourth.

Mike Edwards hurtling down the reach Race 3 Terry was again round the windward mark first and proceeded to lead the fleet towards the wrong wing mark. Andy Turner spotted the correct mark and got there first closely followed by Terry. Spray was flying everywhere down the blinding reaches and one or two of us dipped out of couple of gybes (ashamed to say). At the finish Terry was first, Mike second and Andy was third. Tony Rich started to recover from his winter hibernation to finish fourth.

Hailstorm: 2 minutes before the start Overnight repairs were completed to Keith's boom as Sunday dawned with a covering of 4 centimetres of snow and a chilly force 2 northerly wind. Nick Craig also appeared having stepped off a flight from New Zealand the night before after putting the Kiwis in their places at their National Championships.

In race 4 Terry arrived again at the windward mark first with Bill Bradburn and Mike Edwards in close attendance. Nick Craig started to hunt down Terry, getting closer the whole way round the course and just managing to take first place on the last beat. Terry was therefore second with Mike third and Bill fourth.

First beat In Race 5 the wind kept coming and going over various parts of the course. Nick Craig was first round the windward mark closely followed by the two Duttons, Keith and Ed (another junior). These three pulled away from the rest of the fleet until the wind disappeared. Nick just kept going and Keith hung on for second with Bill Bradburn pulling through to third.

In the last race Nick again dominated with Terry chasing hard. Neil Goodhead sailed well to pull through to third and Keith Dutton was fourth.
200-odd pics on Burton SC website
20 selected pics in our gallery
(apologies to Tony Woods & Rodney - couldn't find pics of you: if you spot any please let me know. Dave)

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Waldringfield SC Easter Egg Meeting
22nd & 23rd March

Results:
PositionSail NoHelmClub R1 R2Points
12119 Robert Deaves Waldringfield224
22122Jon FishWaldringfield415
32105 Ian Harris Bristol Corinthian156
42120 Dan Ager Waldringfield336
52054Luke FarthingWaldringfield6410
62082 Robert BellfieldSutton Bingham SC / RNSA5712
72124Dave RoseFelixstowe Ferry7613

Report: Dan Ager

Waldringfield Easter Snowball

This years event was for men only which perhaps explains the small turn out. Normally over three days, this years event was only scheduled for two days. The first days racing was sensibly abandoned, though secretly relieved and safe in the knowledge that they wouldn't have to walk the walk, it didn't stop the usual comments that we should be going sailing.

The plan for the sunday was three races back to back, lunch then a fourth race. Sailing in heavy snow really is something to experience. It's not particularly warm and cuts down on the visibilty, it makes the cockpit slippery and your control lines disappear beneath it. We had two very close races, everyone finishing within yards of each other before the race committee sent us in, not to come out again. They and the rescue boat crews must have been frozen from inactivity, at least the sailors move about and get warm.

Ian Harris won the first race and Fish the second. Deaves was consistently second best but won overall. Dave Rose bravely launched his new boat, though perhaps not the best weekend to return after a three year break.

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Winter Cup: Final results:

(Subject to approval by Deryck Lovegrove, acknowledged genius)

PositionSail NoHelmClub BSC1WintersFPSCBSC2Points
11894 Terry Curtis Upper Thames3(dnc)115
22120 Dan Ager Waldringfield232(dnc)7
32101Julian BurnhamUTSC8(dnc)4214
42116 Nick Craig Frensham Pond11(dnc)dnc32
52036 Alan Atkin Blythefield6(dnc)dnc339
62122Jon FishWaldringfield75(dnc)dnc42
72126 Mike Edwards South Staffs Sailing Club(dnc)93dnc42
81774Richard BurtonWest Oxford415(dnc)dnc49
9906Deryck Lovegrove(dnc)dncdncdnf64
102045Will TurnerOvery Staithe(dnc)4dncdnc64
112072Stuart ColesBurghfield5(dnc)dncdnc65
122100 John BallArdleigh(dnc)6dncdnc66
132125 Neil Goodhead South Staffs(dnc)7dncdnc67
142012 Jake Cracknell Ardleigh(dnc)8dncdnc68
152012 Jake Cracknell Ardleigh(dnc)8dncdnc68
162119 Robert Deaves Waldringfield(dnc)10dncdnc70
172117Alex ScolesOvery Staithe(dnc)11dncdnc71
181968 Nigel Grogan Ardleigh(dnc)12dncdnc72
192087 Graham Sexton Kingsmead(dnc)13dncdnc73
202082 Robert BellfieldSutton Bingham SC / RNSA(dnc)14dncdnc74
212123 Andy Turner Overy Staithe(dnc)16dncdnc76
222031 Dave Cooper Ouse Amateur S.C.(dnc)17dncdnc77
232059Peter TurnerOvery Staithe(dnc)18dncdnc78
241754Nigel GroganArdleigh(dnc)19dncdnc79
251781 Paul Church tollesbury(dnc)20dncdnc80
261376 Andy Turner Ardleigh(dnc)21dncdnc81
271990Tim HirstArdleigh(dnc)22dncdnc82
281917 Ben Woodcraft Overy Staithe(dnc)23dncdnc83
291963 Alan Price Hayling Ferry(dnc)24dncdnc84

Report: Deryck Lovegrove

The TVA Winter cup came to a conclusion last Sunday in very cold and windy conditions. Terry Curtis showed us the way round in very testing and shifty winds. Julian Burnham and Alan Atkin decided to take a swim in the icy water as well. Alan did say afterwards that his new wetsuit from Aldi worked well (nothing like buying a wetsuit with your weekly shop!!!).

The TVA Winter cup was contested over 4 events: the Winter champs, Frensham Frenzy, and 2 Sundays at Burghfield S. C. I believe everyone who attended enjoyed themselves and thought it was a good idea to get together in the winter.

Hopefully next year we can run the event again but more spread out. Perhaps kicking off in November? Another thought we could do a winter series including Ardleigh & South Staffs?

For now let's all look forward to a fantastic new season and well attended open meetings.

Deryck Lovegrove
TVA Rep


Winter Championship
9th Feb, Ardleigh SC

Results:

Sail no

helm

club

Race 1

Race 2

Race 3

Total pts

posn

2116

Nick Craig

Frensham Pond

2

1

1

2

1

2068

Tony Woods

Etherow

9

2

3

5

2

2120

Dan Ager

Waldringfield

1

8

5

6

3

2045

Will Turner

Ardleigh

6

7

2

8

4

2122

Jon Fish

Waldringfield

4

4

10

8

5

2100

John Ball

Ardleigh

5

6

4

9

6

2125

Neil Goodhead

Sth Staffs

3

10

8

11

7

2012

Jake Cracknell

Ardleigh

10

3

11

13

8

2084

Mike Edwards

Sth Staffs

7

9

6

13

9

2119

Robert Deaves

Waldringfield

13

5

9

14

10

2117

Alex Scoles

Overy Staithe

8

15

13

21

11

2105

Jack Grogan

Ardleigh

12

12

14

24

12

2087

Graham Sexton

Unattached

15

16

10

25

13

2082

Rob Bellfield

Sutton Bingham

16

13

12

25

14

1774

Richard Burton

West Oxford

17

11

15

26

15

2123

Andy Turner

Ardleigh

11

17

OCS

28

16

2031

Dave Cooper

Overy Staithe

14

18

16

30

17

2059

Pete Turner

Ardleigh

19

14

DNS

33

18

1968

Nigel Grogan

Ardleigh

18

19

17

35

19

1781

Paul Church

Tollesbury

20

20

18

38

20

1376

Gary Pilgrim

Ardleigh

24

23

19

42

21

1990

Tim Hirst

Mersea

23

24

20

43

22

2054

Ben Woodcraft

Ardleigh

22

21

dnf

43

23

1963

Alan Price

Portsmouth

21

22

dnf

43

24


(The original version of this was added up wrong! Apologies to Jack Grogan, who's just zoomed up the field after the recalculation!)

Report: Dan Ager, Photo Gallery

Nick Craig, Tony Woods, Richard Burton, Rob Bellfield.  Photo: Ardleigh Rescue Crew 24 Oks turned up at Ardleigh Sailing Club on the 9th February to take part in the next round of the Winter Cup and the Winter Championships. Very welcome sunshine but uncharacteristically light winds were a feature of the day.

The first race held in 10kts of breeze was lead by the newly sylph like John Ball for the first round, closely followed by Dan Ager. Those two pulled away from the rest of the fleet. Ball let Ager through on the beat of the second round, who went on to win quite comfortably. The rest of the fleet caught up to Ball, with Nick Craig coming through to second and Homer Goodhead third.

The second race started with the wind decreasing. Craig was first to the windward mark and sailed on with little difficulty to win. Tony Woods a little way behind but retained a comfortable second place. The third position was taken by junior Jake Cracknell, who battled round with and had the better of Jon Fish in 4th, Robert Deaves in 5th and Ball in 6th.

The wind held for the duration of the final race which was thankfully shortened just as the wind was about to disappear completely. Will Turner decided that his own boat wasn't fast enough for his liking and swapped boats with his father. He might have been right as he got a second place. Craig winning after coming through following an average first beat. Woods getting third from the consistent Ball in 4th and Ager in 5th.

Craig won the event for the second year running from a competitive fleet of the usual names, newcomers to the class and some good juniors.

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Winter Cup I
20th Jan, Burghfield S.C.

Results:
PositionSail NoHelmClub R1 R2Points
12116 Nick Craig Frensham Pond112
22120 Dan Ager Waldringfield224
31894 Terry Curtis Upper Thames336
41774Richard BurtonWest Oxford6511
52072Stuart ColesBurghfield5712
62036 Alan Atkin Blythefield7613
72122Jon FishWaldringfieldDNC413
82101Julian BurnhamUTSC4DNC14

More photos

Start line.  Photo: Burghfield SC Race Team Report:

The first of the OK winter cup events was held at Burghfield On Sun 20th. Conditions were ideal: 15 knots of breeze from the NW with temperatures around 12 deg. The rain even held off for most of the day.

6 visitors joined the 2 home boats for an enjoyable days sailing. Nick Craig lead the first race from the start, initially challenged by Dan Ager. Nick slowly extended his lead to the finish with Dan second & Terry Curtis bringing War canoe home in third place from Julian Burnham.

By the second race Jon Fish had appeared, after extensive negotiations with the AA to deal with a puncture.

After the start Terry tacked right to lead the fleet up the first beat followed, closely pursued by Nick & Dan. Terry had been reeled in by the end of the beat, with Nick sailing off for his second win of the day, closely tailed by Dan. Terry & Jon Fish exchanged places throughout the race, with Terry leading Fish home by a length at the finish.


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