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Category: Fleets

DragonForce Summer Series #4 24/7/19

Another tricky day with the wind not doing the same as the forecast and switching direction several times during this mornings session.  There were 14 boats this week with most of the regulars (one of the highest turnouts recently) and another potential new member Dave who had travelled over an hour to sail with us and gain some guidance.  Peter took some of the early wins, but then had some difficult races including getting caught up on on mark for over a minute.  This left an opening for John who had the best of the later races from the 8 that were sailed.  In all there were 5 different race winners and John took the day by one point from Peter, who only beat Neil  to second on countback due to his higher number of firsts.

  1. John Brierley                84       14 pts
  2. Peter Baldwin              63        15 pts    3x1st
  3. Neil Westbrook            03        15 pts    1x1st
  4. Kris Morrow                 94        21 pts
  5. Derek Matthews         57         25 pts
  6. Dave Williams            233        26 pts
  7. Alan Watkinson         373        35 pts
  8. Colin Deakin                  93       36 pts
  9. Andrew Peter               919       41 pts
  10. Richard Walker              39       44 pts
  11. Dave Pickup                    86       49 pts
  12. Chris Morrow                194      62 pts
  13. Bob Davies                       72       76 pts
  14. David Halstead             855      81 pts

M Nationals Day 2

The second day of the Nationals was sailed in much lighter winds from the SSW ranging between 5 and 10 knots on average.  The control area was therefore shifted to the main promenade.  There was a delay to the start of racing due to an outstanding protest from Race 8A on Day 1 being heard before racing started.  However, after having a minimal break for lunch, 7 additional races were completed by the ultimate 17:30 cut-off time.  Prize-giving took place in the WKSC clubhouse with a welcome speech from the Club Commodore Jean-Louis Simons and a short thank you to the volunteers from Birkenhead Commodore John Brierley.

The final podium was:

  1. Brad Gibson             Grunge                        31 pts
  2. Graham Bantock    Quark                          52 pts
  3. Martin Roberts        Starkers Squared   59 pts

The Classic M Trophy (first registration of a boat prior to 2009) was won by Andrea Roberts and the TOT’s Trophy (Team of Three) by Brad Gibson, James Edwards and Mike Parkington.

There are photos in the Gallery from Day 2 courtesy of Mike Parkington and a set of 65 from Andrew Peter.

Check out the HD Drone footage of 4 different A heat races taken by Henning Faas on the MYA Youtube Marblehead Racing Playlist.

M Nationals 2019 at Day 1 at West Kirby

Eight Races were completed in 2 heats, with 14 to 20 knots of breeze from the West veering round to WNW.

The were a good number of breakages and failing gear leading to a reduced size B fleet.  Some boats had to stay on shore due to not having C2 and C3 rigs for their boats.

Winds are forecast to be lighter for tomorrow at 11 to 14 knots.

Here are the provisional results to the end of the day, subject to a protest which is due to be heard before racing on Day 2.

A small selection of photos from Day 1 courtesy of Alan Watkinson are available in the Gallery

DragonForce Summer Series #3 17/7/19

A light and shifty SW breeze kept everyone on their toes this week.  Nine sailors completed 10 races with the last race being two laps. Dave Williams was unfortunate to lose power and miss the last two races otherwise he may well have placed higher.

  1. Neil Westbrook           16pts
  2. Andrew Peter               18 pts
  3. Alan Watkinson          27 pts
  4. Dave Williams             29 pts
  5. Colin Deakin                 30 pts
  6. Derek Matthews          38 pts
  7. Rob                                    46 pts
  8. Chris Weston                54 pts
  9. Zoe Matthews               57 pts

10 races sailed

DragonForce Summer Series #2 10/7/19

The very light variable wind from the Club house end caused the 10 sailors to watch their boats very carefully to be able to gain an advantage. Masters of the conditions today were Neil and Kris who managed 5 wins between them but the ever consistent John took the day.
The highlight of the day was for Chris Weston who completed the 10 races without gear failure.
Thanks to Ernie and Sally for their assistance in running the races.

  1.    John Brierley          15pts
  2.    Kris Morrow           21pts
  3.    Neil Westbrook      27pts. 3 x 1st
  4.    Dave Williams        27pts. 0 x 1st
  5.    Andrew Peter          31pts
  6.    Alan Watkinson     40pts
  7.    Colin Deakin           48pts
  8.    Dave Pickup             52pts
  9.    Richard Walker      57pts
  10.    Chris Weston          79pts

10 races sailed

DragonForce Summer Series #1 3/7/19

A light but reasonably steady wind  from the WNW and clear sun greeted the 8 sailors who turned out this week to sail in A+ rigs.  There were some large shifts to be found on the long course, which usually held for some time giving good gains if you timed it right.  Neil Westbrook started the day with a win and then two further wins in races 3 and 5.  Peter Baldwin won 6 out of the 7 other races sailed giving him first overall, with Dave Williams gaining the other win.  Although missing out on a race win, Richard Walker had a consistent day scoring several 2nds and thirds to end up third behind Neil and Peter. Racing was very close in most race, such that if you went into irons you could move from being well placed to last position.

  1.   Peter Baldwin            63           10pts
  2.   Neil Westbrook         03           18pts
  3.   Richard Walker         39          24pts
  4.   Dave Williams           233        25pts
  5.   Alan  Watkinson       373         35pts
  6.   Derek Matthews         57         40pts    1x2nd & 2x4th
  7.   Dave Pickup                 86          40pts   1x2nd
  8.   Chris Weston              194         68pts  (winch issues missing 6 races)

10 races sailed.  Many thanks to Ernie and Sally for running the races and scoring.