GRAFHAM WATER SAILING CLUB
Fastsail Open Meeting
9/10 September 2006

Great racing – superb prizes – warm sunny weather

Members of the four Fastsail Classes (FD, Javelin, 505 & Fireball) together with the similar invited classes - Tempest and 420, enjoyed superb racing at Grafham Water in warm sunny weather and force 3 to 4 winds on Saturday but unfortunately no wind on the Sunday so after a postponement on shore racing was abandoned at midday.

All the competitors raced together in a single handicap fleet using the old Olympic triangle/sausage courses with a leeward finish.

The first race started in a force 3 wind blowing down Grafham Water. Julian Bridges/Peter Hadfield (FD) started at the pin end closely pursued by Peter Doran/Richard Phillips (FD ) and Toby Dale/Mark Rushton). After confusion as to which was windward and wing marks. Dale established a commanding lead with line and handicap honours. The 420 sailed by Peter Gray & Gareth Evans sailed well finishing second on handicap with Bridges third and Richard Smith/Becky Cross (Javelin) fourth on handicap and Robert& Barbara Davis (Tempest) 5^th on handicap.

The second race started with slightly more wind. Dale(505) started well with Doran (FD) close behind, Doran tacked on a significant header soon after the start and after ducking several port tack boats established a clear lead at the first mark which was retained throughout the race giving them a fifth on handicap. Smith (Javelin) won on handicap, with Gray (420) second, and Kathyryn Partingrton-Smith/Brian Dixon (Javelin) third and Davis (Tempest)  4^th .

The third race saw more wind and the 420 flew into first place on handicap despite the substantial on the water lead established by Doran (FD) who was 2^nd on handicap. Harry & Simon Bridon (505) also had a very good race initially pushing Doran hard and finishing 3^rd on handicap with Partington-Smith (Javelin) 4^th and Dale (505) 5^th.

The winner of the Superspars mast was Peter Gray/Gareth Evans (420) who were best boat overall using a Superspars mast and first overall.

Fastsail thanks Grafham Water Sailing Club for hosting the event, the race officer, Iain Stowe, for setting excellent courses on the Saturday with quick turn around between races and our sponsors Superspars, Harken & Marlow for their valued prizes.

PS re FDs - Tony & Colin suffered gear failure in first race just before course was shortened and decided to retire and complete repairs. Lucy & Strang had a problem with the spreaders and Bill Oliver was unable to attend on Saturday but was all ready and keen to go on Saturday morning after along drive but the lack of wind disappointed him and all others.

Overall Results