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Category: news

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

10R UK Nationals Day 2

Not much time for a report, but suffice to say it was wet, wet, wet.  But there was a good breeze of 10 to 20 knots from an ESE direction, which shifted around a bit during the day as the fronts went through.  We did see a small rainbow, during the early sunny period that lasted for a minute and then was replaced by rain.

Here are the overall results with an emphatic win from James Edwards in first, David Potter from Birkenhead in second and Henning Faas from Germany in third.

A small selection of photos from Day 2 courtesy of Alan Watkinson are available in the Gallery

10R Nationals Day 1 at West Kirby

It was a long hard day for both the sailors and the boats on this the first day of the 10R UK Nationals being held this year at West Kirby.  There was a Westerly breeze moving around to WNW and then back again and starting at 10 knots, increasing to nearly 20 knots and then finally dropping to 11 knots by the end of the day.  Cloudy at the start of the day, the sun appeared at lunchtime and the fleet enjoyed good clear sun for a while and champagne sailing in the breeze.

17 races were completed by the select group of 13 sailors, who had a hard time an may have ended up the day having walking getting on for 12 miles with a 250m long course of 2 laps and a short windward leg to finish.

James Edwards ended up on top with Graham Bantock not far behind, with third place being taken by Duncan Ellis.  Graham had problems with losing radio contact early on in the day and so missed out on 4 races an currently counts one DNF in his final score.  All to play for tomorrow.

The weather for day 2 is not looking as good as Day 1 with heavy rain forecast.

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.