THE VINTAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2008 Colin Page reports
South Staffs October 9 2008 The Vintage boat championship, for this year, was combined with the Open at South Staffs Sailing Club (near Cannock). The day started with a cold, but pleasant, southerly wind. But as the day progressed, the wind increased, so by the third race some helms were struggling (and I had decided during Race 2 that I wasn’t having “fun”).
Race 3: Richard made a good start, but went to the wrong mark (a fate that also happened to Nick Craig – was Richard following him?). Due to this Richard fell back to 5th from last, while Chris Murray was 10th. But unfortunately Chris’s mast step exploded at the gybe mark, and whilst he managed to capsize it, to reduce the strain, the bottom of the mast was poking through the side of the hull. Poor Chris got a lot of sympathy from those of us who have suffered similarly. After a poor first 2 legs, Richard managed to make ground on Keith. Richard’s upwind speed was better than Keith’s. But Keith’s offwind speed was marginally better than Richard’s. After a tussle for two laps, Richard managed to get ahead of Keith and finished 1st Vintage boat (13th overall) Looking back at the races, Richard was just happy not to capsize. The same cannot be said for me and many others in the races, as the wind speed increased.
For the Vintage boat the event was won by Richard Burton (1774), with Chris Murray (1728) second. (The actual Open was won by Nick Craig). Race 1: Richard had a poor start, as he tried a newer sail, but he ended 2nd Vintage boat to Keith Macauley (1980), who was a long way ahead. Richard thought he may have trouble beating him in the two other races, but Richard was happy to beat his nemesis, Ed Dutton and even more pleased to beat the person who kindly towed his boat there, Chris Murray, who was in the oldest boat 1728.
During lunch South Staffs had organised a Councours d'Elegance contest for the smartest Vintage boat at the Vintage Championships. The prize was won by Keith Macauley who certainly had a beautifully presented boat (I tried to hide mine at the back of the dinghy park). Thank you to South Staffs, who were their usual very friendly selves, including the ladies behind the counter who kept us well stocked with food and drink. Thanks also to Bill Bradburn who had organised the event and the prizes.
Race 2: Richard got a good start and was 10th in the fleet, round the 1st mark, and leading Vintage boat. He lost one place during the race but ended up 10th in the fleet and first vintage boat
OK 1586 Photo: Burton Race Team And finally thank you, to all those who attended the Championships. After the light winds of the 2007 Championships, this was an event to test the strong winds techniques Colin Page OK 1927 OKs 1774 & 1963 Photo: Oxford Race Team
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