Javelin Open at Bala Sailing Club
by Brian Dixon 3-4 October 2015

On Saturday 15 Javelins gathered. After early fog cleared, a light breeze filled in along the lake, allowing 3 races to be sailed. The Earls lost a good lead by rounding the wrong mark, allowing Walker & Ashworth to win from Arran & Cross, with Schulter & Amiss 3rd. Earl won the next from Walker and the Smiths. Smith broke the overlap, on the last mark, in a close battle, to win the third from Walker and Earl.
On Sunday, the light fitful wind, with the odd gust from the hills led to massive wind shifts and calms. The race officer added to the fun by changing the course for the 3 races. Walker won the first, after passing Earl on the second beat, with Schulter 3rd. Now Earl had to win the last 2 races. Sagar & Bennet made a well, timed start and first beat, but lost out at the first mark. Earl established a good lead, but nearly lost it to Walker in a near calm for a tense finish. Dixon & Reid were 3rd.
Massive, frequent shifts, on the first beat of the last race, led to many changes of the lead, but Earl rounded just ahead of Dixon. His lead was extended, but was he chased hard by Dixon, particularly during a rare gust under spinnaker. Thus a competitive event was won by the Earls from Walker and Smith.
Overall Results:
1st Brian & David Earl (Chichester YC) 5pts
2nd Ruth Walker & Harry Ashworth (Bartley Green SC) 6pts
3rd Richard & Kathryn Smith (Glossop and Dist SC) 12pts
4th Olav Schluter & Matthew Amiss (Weston SC) 13pts
5th Nick Arran & Andy Cross (Carsington SC) 16pts
6th Brian Dixon & Neil Reid (Rhyl YC & Combs SC) 17pts