Fleetwood Weekender Open Meeting 23rd - 24th April 2022
An encouraging entry of eight boats for both days plus one more for Saturday only and another for Sunday only rounded out the fleet for this two day Six Metre event composed of an afternoon race on the Saturday and a full day on the Sunday. Visitors came from afar with Graeme Harris and Keith Simmons making the trip up from Plymouth and Bob Iles from the New Forest.
Except that the wind gods had special plans for us that weekend.
On Saturday the wind levels were around 20mph and gusting higher, with large waves forming at the eastern end of the lake as the near westerly wind bore down the pool. It was decided to keep the boats in the clubhouse rather than risk damage with the hope of better conditions on the Sunday for the main race day. Tea was drunk and there was much to talk regarding Six Metres.
So Sunday dawned but the wind speeds were only slightly less extreme than the previous day and from a similar direction. Derek Priestley decided not to sail in the prevailing conditions while others tested the waters before the briefing. Shaun was putting his boat back into the water having made an adjustment when a big gust literally blew the boat off the lifting hook and it landed half on the lakeside edge, half in the water causing significant damage and an enforced immediate retirement.
The rest of the fleet proceeded to commence racing. Keith Simmons, who had only recently acquired his Romanza made the best of the conditions to score a win. Not wishing to push his luck and pronouncing himself happy with the outing he decided not to risk any potential mishap and decided to stop there.
Clubmate Graeme Harris took over the mantle with a well chosen sail combination trimmed nicely to the conditions and proceeded to show the way to do it. Damian with his Seabird settled into a steady chasing pattern while others gradually fell by the wayside. After six races lunch beckoned during which it became clear that further racing was not going to change the result and would only further increase the risk of damage so it was agreed to end the racing at this point.
Congratulations to Graeme for a well sailed stint in trying conditions. All the skippers, especially our visitors, said how much they had enjoyed the weekend and said they would be back!
Except that the wind gods had special plans for us that weekend.
On Saturday the wind levels were around 20mph and gusting higher, with large waves forming at the eastern end of the lake as the near westerly wind bore down the pool. It was decided to keep the boats in the clubhouse rather than risk damage with the hope of better conditions on the Sunday for the main race day. Tea was drunk and there was much to talk regarding Six Metres.
So Sunday dawned but the wind speeds were only slightly less extreme than the previous day and from a similar direction. Derek Priestley decided not to sail in the prevailing conditions while others tested the waters before the briefing. Shaun was putting his boat back into the water having made an adjustment when a big gust literally blew the boat off the lifting hook and it landed half on the lakeside edge, half in the water causing significant damage and an enforced immediate retirement.
The rest of the fleet proceeded to commence racing. Keith Simmons, who had only recently acquired his Romanza made the best of the conditions to score a win. Not wishing to push his luck and pronouncing himself happy with the outing he decided not to risk any potential mishap and decided to stop there.
Clubmate Graeme Harris took over the mantle with a well chosen sail combination trimmed nicely to the conditions and proceeded to show the way to do it. Damian with his Seabird settled into a steady chasing pattern while others gradually fell by the wayside. After six races lunch beckoned during which it became clear that further racing was not going to change the result and would only further increase the risk of damage so it was agreed to end the racing at this point.
Congratulations to Graeme for a well sailed stint in trying conditions. All the skippers, especially our visitors, said how much they had enjoyed the weekend and said they would be back!
