Category: iom

1. Graham Elliott,   10 pts

1. Brad Gibson,   8 pts
2. Graham Elliott,   11
3. Dave Burke,   24
4. Martin Roberts,   27
5. Graham Birkett,   37
6. Chris Elliott,   38
7. Dave Potter,   46
8. Kris Morrow,   55
9. Dave Williams,   58
10. Vernon Gee,   58
11. Bill Culshaw,   72
12. Colin Smith,   76
13. David Catherall,   83
14. Ernie Rice,   84

9 races

1. Brad Gibson,   16 pts

Well we reached the final race of the Birkenhead Winter Series, hoping for some let up in the extreme weather conditions that seemed to last all winter. We were in luck, the wind had eased a little from previous weeks, however we were met with sunny conditions and a stiff breeze, but the direction wasn’t best suited for the angle of the lake. Nevertheless, this helped in reducing the full impact of the wind, which meant we settled for our top suits. Again with a swirling and gusty wind, making it tricky to find the correct sail trim for the mere mortals.

16 skippers presented promptly for the start with Mr Gibson launching his latest machine for the first time. Jack proudly blew his new whistle – time to race.

6 races were completed in time for that well earned brew with Brad taking the early lead with Graham Elliott closely behind and the rest of the fleet were left to work out how they could improve for the second session (maybe taking the odd cheeky glance at others trim!). Kris Morrow showed early promise in a borrowed boat from Ernie, however Brad & Graham continued to adapt well to the challenging conditions and with 10 races completed, Brad eventually took the day and Graham the winter series.

After a hard and testing series, which saw perhaps wildest and windiest conditions for many a year, the winter series has finally come to an end. The deserved and overall winter series winner being Graham, who gave a master class in boat trim and handling throughout the series (damn it, Graham!), well-done Graham, it was great to take part and also watch. Full results HERE.

With the ‘apres sail’ completed, we now look forward to the start of the summer series and preparing for the upcoming National Ranking events, with some of our members dipping their boats into the International pond scene (well, Castle Semple, Scotland in April).

Many thanks again, to what has to be the jolliest race control team, Jack, Ernie & Bernie, no matter what the conditions. Under the most dire weather this winter, they have managed to keep the start line honest (well almost). A special thanks to Jack for bringing the milk & biscuits for the half time brew, Ernie for keeping the finishing sheets out of the lake (well almost) and Bernie for bringing some sanity to the proceedings.

The next IOM event to be held at Birkenhead is the final round of the Northern District Winter Series, on the 8th March. Enter online HERE.
With the current World, European & UK Champion in attendance and with many more former World & National Champions competing, this has the makings of being an absolute cracker. This event could be described as first ‘Major’ of what promises to be an extremely exciting 2014 season.
For any aspiring IOM skipper this has to be the event to attend and everyone is most welcome. Further details can found from either the Birkenhead or MYA website.
So, if you do not fancy taking part, at least pop down to see some of the latest yacht and sail designs from around the world and watch how the guys at the top of our sport, go about their daily business.

Race Report by Dave Burke

1. Brad Gibson,   11 pts
2. Graham Elliott,   16
3. Dave Burke,   24
4. Martin Roberts,   34
5. Dave Potter,   42
6. John Taylor*,   44
7. Graham Birkett,   44
8. Kris Morrow,   54
9. Victoria Gibson,   62
10. Neil Westbrook,   65
11. Bill Culshaw,   69
12. Colin Smith,   77
13. Dave Williams,   88
14. Damian Ackroyd*,   122
15. Les Kewn,   128
16. David Staniforth,   129

10 races
*visitors

Forecast for Saturday 8th Feb 2017

With heavy winds and rain battering Britain, the forecast looked a little extreme and a little ‘draughty’ to say the least.

However, with the wind coming from the SSE/SE direction, it did provide the lake with some shelter, but brought with it interesting shifts along with big gusts.

10 competitors arrived for the 12.00 start, including Terry Trench (Guilford MYC) and Vernon Appleton (Coal House) who made a 660 mile round trip.

After some deliberation, we all settled for the 2nd suits, with the swirling wind and heavy gusts making the boat trim tricky.

Six races were completed before the compulsory brew, which saw Graham taking the lead with the rest of the pack following closely behind.

10 races were completed allowing two discards and with 5 different race winners, Graham eventually took the day.

Many thanks again to the race team Jack, Ernie & Bernie, again doing a sterling job in keeping the racing skipping along.

If you’re thinking about starting model yacht racing, a novice or hot shot wanting to test your skills at arguably the hottest club racing available in the UK on a weekly basis, then do not hesitate to call in at Birkenhead. All visitors will be made very welcome and friendly advice given when needed.

Refer to the web site for contact information and the race calendar.

Race Report by Dave Burke

1. Graham Elliott,   11 pts
2. Graham Birkett,   20
3. Bill Culshaw,   23
4. Dave Burke,   26
5. Colin Smith,   46
6. Vernon Appleton*,   48
7. Dave Pickup,   50
8. Terry Rensch,   53
9. Martin Roberts,   58
10. Dave Williams,   64

10 races
* visitor