Birkenhead Radio Sailing & Power Club
Another great days sailing at West Kirby.
Wind steadily increased during the day from 6 or 7 knots at the start from the North to 11 to 13 knots from the North West.
Ten races completed for two heats.
Worthy winner was Brad Gibson who had the most consistent days racing on 21 points followed closely by Graham Bantock on 25 and Graham Elliott on 26.
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Congratulations to MYA President, Derek Priestley on taking the Marblehead Veterans Crown.
A good days racing with 16 races completed in winds starting at 6 knots and ending on 13 knots gusting 15.
This lead to changes of rig during the day to save being too over powered.
There were a few drop-outs through gear failure during the day. Mostly these were all fixed by the time racing was finished, ready for the start of Ranker 4 on Saturday morning
Five brave sailors turned out for the weekly race, B rig, boots and raincoats.
8 races were sailed before the weather took its toll.
A big well done to National RG65 champion, IOM and part time Marblehead skipper Graham Elliott for completing the Wirral Whistle Stop Tour completing 26 miles in 3 days on his feet.
Graham started out with a light 5 mile off road race on Friday evening through Arrowe Park.
Saturday morning followed with a leisurely 8 mile cross country course in Thurstaston with steep grassy climbs and difficult beach legs in driving rain. When pressed Elliott suggested the going was tough but with gritted teeth he rounded out leg two.
Sunday dawned with a final half marathon along the New Brighton sea front. Here he was joined by fellow Birkenhead RS & PC member Victoria Gibson who covered the 10k run.
With both making the distance, it was Elliott who drew plaudits from the large crowd at the finishing line for his 42nd place finish from 233 competitors who took on the Whistle Stop Tour of 3 consecutive runs.
Struggling to find breath, a tired Elliott when quizzed of his achievements could only swear he would never enter such events again when sober.
For these two Birkenhead members, their next major battle away from the pond will be a rematch with the Windrush Whippets of Josh King and Chris Harris at next years Liverpool half marathon.
Fancy taking them on alongside rumoured teams from Clapham and Guildford? then you best start running up and down a lake near you starting with this coming weekends Marblehead ranking at West Kirby.
Story and pics courtesy of “The Wirral Bugle”
11 races sailed.
The weather conditions tomorrow are not favourable to sail at West Kirby, with a moderate to fresh WNW wind forecast along with a high tide of 9.1 m at 13:05.
This may result in a tidal surge which could cover the Marine Lake wall and pontoons.
For safety reasons we are now going to sail at our club at Gautby Rd, start time 1pm.
Hope to see you all there.
