The Flying Dutchman Class met at Oxford Sailing Club for their first open meeting of the season in weather ranging from heavy rain to bright sunshine.

The first race started in a northerly wind of 15kts. Keith Martin crewed by John Lansley set the pace and led at the first mark. A tight spinnaker reach followed with Martin maintaining his lead with several place changes behind him. The course was a conventional triangle/sausage arrangement and Martin continued to stretch out his lead to finish ahead of his nearest rival Julian and Cathy Bridges.

Sundays racing was on a figure of eight course. Tony Lyall crewed by Colin Burns led at the first mark with Tom Clancey and his crew John Barker close behind. At the end of the first lap several place changes had occurred. Lyall misread the course allowing Bridges to take the lead.

The shifting conditions and variable 5 to 10 knots of wind gave some excellent racing with the leading boats all within a few yards of each other. At the finish Peter Doran crewed by Richard Phillips had taken the lead. Bridges managed to squeeze his bow in front of Lyall who was third. All three races counted so at least three boats had the potential to win the event.

The third race started with similar conditions and course layout to the morning race. Julian Bridges led at the first mark with Clancey close behind, just in front of Lyall. By the end of the second lap Bridges had maintained his lead but was now being pressed hard by Doran. At the finish Julian & Cathy Bridges who had spent the winter stripping, varnishing and fitting out their 21 year old FD just held off Doran and won the race.

The Oxford Tankards were presented to Julian and Cathy amongst great applause. John Barker who has been the prime organiser for the event for many years was presented with some Easter Eggs reflecting his tradition to present Easter Eggs to the winning teams.

Overall results

1    GBR 380    Julian and Cathy Bridges                    5pts (2,2,1)
2    GBR 377    Peter Doran and Richard Phillips      6 pts (3,1,2)
3    GBR 363    Keith Martin and John Lansley          8 pts (1,4,3)
4    GBR 384    Tony Lyall and Colin Burns              14 pts (DNS,3,4)
5    IRL 13        Tom Clancey and John Barker         14 pts (4,5,5)
6    GBR 373    Neil Pye and Rosie Wodehouse        21 pts (DNS,RTD,DNS)