Sunday racing, wind and more wind

Published 22:50 on 23 Jun 2025

Sunday saw the start of two new series. Shan Stapely was there to capture the day. Two names were missing from the fleet - as Simon and Julie Dolman had travelled South with their Miracle dinghy to compete and win the Southern Area Miracle Championships. A link to the full report will follow but for now CONGRATULATIONS both!!

Shotwick Sailing 22nd June 2025

 Summer Series, race 1 and 2

 Race 1

Wednesdays Goldilocks conditions had been replaced by dark clouds and a fresh west/south westerly breeze for the first race of the summer series. Jim set an excellent course starting with a beat from 8 to 2 and a second tricky beat 9 to Y with plenty of fast action in between.

11 boats took to the water including Paul Edge in the Access dinghy taking Andy Duncan out for the first time, and Junior sailor Maisie braving the strong winds. Everyone got off to a clean start with Conrad in his Laser getting to the windward mark first followed by James (Supernova) and Matt (Solo). The wind suited these faster boats and a gap between the following fleet soon emerged. At 9, pathfinder Conrad took the faster straighter route to 6, quickly followed by James and Matt.

Meanwhile a close battle between the Miracle (Dave and Shan), Lightning (Mark Heaton) and Colins Solo was causing some worried expressions as the three boats rounded the gybe mark together. Expressions changed to confusion as they examined their prescribed OD course board and wondered why the lead boats had opted for a social sail around the lake and duly followed the course 9 to Y then 6. Eventually the lead boats realised their mistake but not before Mark Heaton was first over the line after one lap.

Conrad made a great recovery, with a well spotted lift to take him back into the lead at the windward mark. Meanwhile not far away, sailing the correct course was Chris in his topper flying along enjoying the breeze. A special well done to Maisie in her Pico who persevered carrying on with the race despite a capsize. Paul always sails the Access well and I hope his crew enjoyed the experience.

Summer Series Race 1

1.         Conrad Brown (Laser) 2. Chris Drapper (topper) 3. Dave Thomas and Shan Stapley (Miracle)

Race 2

Only 7 boats started the second race, with the wind continuing to strengthen. They all got off to a good start and once again Conrad was first round the windward mark, with the rest of the fleet close behind. The Laser helm soon took a commanding lead followed by James in the Supernova, enjoying the conditions and speed allowing the first three boats to sail their own race. It was very close on the water for the following three (Dave and Shan, Mark and Colin), often rounding buoys three a breast!  Once again Chris was not far behind.

Line honours went to Conrad, with thanks to OOD, Jim and assistant Claire and safety cover Mark Roberts for keeping a watchful eye on everyone.

 Summer Series Race 2

1.         Conrad Brown (Laser) 2. Chris Drapper (Topper) 3. Matthew Bennet (Solo)

Summer Afternoon Pursuit Series

 The wind eased during our well-deserved lunch break of bacon butties, but forecast was for an increase in wind so only 3 boats sailed the new pursuit format. A Topper, Solo and Supernova, starting in that order with the topper start almost 10 minutes in front of the others. The wind direction had veered slightly, and the course had been tweaked to enable more exciting reaches.

Chris sailed well to establish a commanding lead as the others tried to close the gap. After 40 minutes it didnt look like Chris could be beaten and James managed to overtake Dave on the long beat.  The reaches were fast and fun until Dave caught a large vicious squall as he tried to round 9 and capsized in the shallows. Luckily the safety boat was at hand as he struggled to right it with the mast stuck in the mud. Unfortunately, Chris suffered from gear failure and had to retire. Which left two, James was lead boat at the whistle. Congratulations for your first win at Shotwick!

Summer Pursuit

1.         James Stark (Supernova) 2. Dave Thomas (Solo)

Shan Stapley

Last updated 22:55 on 23 June 2025