Hayling Island Joint Open 15-16 April

7 505s travelled to Hayling Island for a joint open meeting with Contenders & Fireballs. The forecast for the weekend was not promising with a dying northerly wind predicted on the Saturday and nothing on Sunday.

Unfortunately, the forecast was spot on! The fleet launched in a 12 knot northerly wind and had nice wire running conditions in which to trapeze downwind to the start line. Whilst waiting for the Contenders & Fireballs to start, the wind started dropping already, crews were rapidly putting their masts upright looking for more power.

Race 1 started in around 8 knots with Charlie Walters & Dougal Cram staying true to form of not sailing for 6 months but rounding first mark equal first! Nathan Batchelor & Sam Pascoe sailing their brand new Ovi v2 boat slipped past to win the race from Charlie & Dougal and Roger Gilbert & Ben McGrane.
Race 2 started lighter with crews only just trapezing upwind, with the northerly wind dropping in strength and becoming more unstable in direction. Nathan & Sam went on to lead from start to finish. Relative newcomers to the class David Ellis & Jim Hunt (who’s new to the front end of the boat!) were sailing smart & fast to finish second in the race which took them up to second overall.

Sunday dawned as per forecast with not a breath of wind. The Race Officer canvassed the opinion of assembled sailors before wisely calling it a day at 1100. Thanks to Hayling Island SC and the Contender & Fireball class for having us along.

Overall Results:

Pos

Sail No

Helm

Crew

Club

Pts

1st

9253

Nathan Batchelor

Sam Pascoe

Tynemouth SC