Optimum Time Watches Southern Travelers series Frensham Pond Open Report
Upon arrival we were promised that the forecast wind direction was on the of the best for sailing on the pond. This had not taken into account the upset of having visiting boats some even tasting of salt and this effect on the local Dragons Fren- water and Sham- wind, which would use their powers to cause chaos to all at times. Race 1 Two boats broke away from the fleet and led for a long time only to be undone by and Fren and Sham combining to befuddle them and send them to the wrong mark. This caused Steve Popple to who had been lying second to depart. Rob Starling won the race with Nick Mason second rumour has it that you have to ask the correct former police man for directions as Simon Hawkes was another led astray resulting in his discard. Race 2 Simon Hawkes must have negotiated peace with the local dragons as he proceeded to sail a clean race for the first of his three wins. By now the water and wind were combining to blow hard, shift and then grab unsuspecting helms from the boat for a cooldown. Chris Shelton sailing a consistent day was second. Further back in the field I was overtaken by two local boats Bob Larder and Justin Phillips on the last beat and with a short run to the finish much muttering was to be heard from my boat then Sham heard my prayers and blew capsizing both Bob and Justin with Justin only about 4 meters from the line to much applause from the race team. Lunch was enjoyed by all and also allowed the breeze to increase. Race 3 A depleted fleet with one local boat left set out with Nick Mason in irons on the start for he claims 3 minutes which was still not enough for him to stay behind me. Jeremy’s orange logo and numbers must have upset you know who as a large gust hit him on the bear away only to snap his goose neck. Simon wins again, Chris second, Nick third, Race 4 I missed most of this after an early dunking. Simon 1st, Nick 2nd Chris 3rd Rob 4th. Which with tie breaks used was the final result Simon Hawkes 1282 Wimbleball SC (10) 111 Nett 3 1st Nick Mason 1386 Island Barn SC 2(4) 32 Nett 7 2nd Chris Shelton 1211 Downs SC (3)223 Nett 7 3rd Rob Starling 1431 Burghfield SC 13(5)4 Nett 8 4th Gordon Kingston 1430 Lee on Solent SC 674(DNF13) Nett 17 5th Ivan Walsh 1300 Shoreham SC (9)865 Nett 19 6th