Round 3 of the Birkenhead Radio Sailing and Power Club IOM Winter Series got underway at 12pm sharp with PRO Dave Williams setting an excellent course for the lighter than expected WNW wind.
While numbers may have been lower than normally expected, the quality was high with a number of World, European and National Champions and podium finishers being tested as always by skippers lining up to take a scalp.
Graham Elliott started the day in impressive form with a string of wins through consistent sailing and calculated shift slection. Alan Bennett, John Brierley and Bill Culshaw were keeping Graham honest in the shifting light wind conditions.
Local legend Martin Roberts was warming into the day and enjoying crossing swords with a returning 42 of Brad Gibson, both steadying as the day went on, improving with each race as the wind strengthened a little.
Both Alan Watkinson and John Berry had glimpses of form but as the light faded after 12 quick fire races, it was Graham that took a convincing win with 8 wins out of 12 races from Brad, with John finishing strongly for his third place.
A big thank you to our PRO Dave who kept the pace going and to our visitors that made the treck to join us once again.
With a number of new boats, builds in progress and returning skippers, the season ahead at Birkenhead looks promising for the IOM class where some of the toughest close quarter racing in the UK can be had. Those that know, know that if you can win at Birkenhead, you can win anywhere in the World.
The next round is Saturday the 10th of February so why not come and join us with all visitors welcome.
You can enter here https://birkenheadrspc.co.uk/iom-winter-2023-4/
12 races with 2 discards
- Graham Eliiott Britpop 13 pts
- Brad Gibson BG 17 pts
- John Bryerley Venti 31 pts
- Martin Roberts Chimera 39 pts(Countback)
- Alan Bennett Britpop 39 pts
- Bill Culshaw Britpop 51 pts
- Alan Watkinson Britpop 67 pts
- John Berry Viper 72 pts
