Rutland Symmetric Open
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With six races spread across the weekend, four fleets competed on the triangle sausage race course. Race starts were tiered with the lead fleet of Ospreys setting off up the course first followed by the Hornets 4 minutes after, Contenders 4 minutes later and the mixed handicap fleet of 420's and Javelin's a further 4 minutes after. "I thought this was a clever arrangement for the start sequences, as it split the fleets apart allowing for boats to compete alike without many port starboard crossovers. Races were 3 laps lasting between 35 and 45 minutes each."
The finish line was set above the windward mark, which enabled finishers to head down the course to the leeward end to the start line and when all boats from a fleet were finished that fleet would be started for the next race even though other fleets were still racing the previous race. The system reduced the wait time between races and all races were completed in about 3 hours. Well done to the race officer and his team! 
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The Javelins competed with five 420's crewed by 10 really keen and fit youngsters. On the Saturday the wind varied between F2 - F4 and whilst the Javelin was able to finish 8-10 minutes ahead of the 420's on the water, the Javelin GBR511 finished 3rd, 2nd and 3rd on day 1, but on day 2 struggled to keep ahead of them on the water in the Northerly F4-F6 breeze, finishing 4th overall in the mixed handicap fleet. Well done to Alice Davis and Ellie Rush from Great Moor Sailing Club who took 1st place.
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The sailing club restaurant and bar were open on the Friday and Saturday evenings and it hosted the the competitors dinner on the Saturday night for £11 per head.
Accommodation was part on the campsite and in the club residential rooms. Ian Dooley and I thoroughly enjoyed the event and we look forward to the returning event in 2020. by Matthew Botfield. |
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