A smaller than expected fleet arrived for the first northern travellers event of the year at Scammonden sailing club, many potential competitors having been dissuaded from attending by the weather forecast. The weather didn't disappoint with a good force 5-6 blowing over the dam wall with strong gusts. The first race got underway with Andrew Elliott, Colin Barrie and local sailor Pete Crossley battling up the long beat. Elliott rounded first to start a series of reaches and runs with numerous gybes for good measure. The gybes gave an opportunity for swimming practice for much of the pursuing pack allowing Roger Day to take third from Crossley with Elliott and Barrie in first and second.
The second race started in similar condition with Elliott managing to establish a lead early on initially pursued by Barrie who managed a spectacular capsize to windward at one of the gybe marks allowing Crossley through into second. Crossley fought hard to hold onto second but a recovering Barrie managed to pass on the final beat to the finish.
The wind appeared to have further increased for the final race and in the absence of Elliott the fleet fought a close battle up to the windward mark. Crossley lost his mast in a particularly strong gust and Barrie decided to call it a day in the increasing wind strength. This allowed Pete Bower to take the win followed by Roger Day. Despite the weather the fleet had a great day of sailing and the hospitality of Scammonden sailing club was as always, excellent.
Results
1st 1105 Andrew Elliott Rotherham SC
2nd 1117 Colin Barrie RYA
3rd 940 Roger Day Attenborough SC
4th 1001 Pete Bower Staunton Harold SC
5th 1058 Pete Crossley Scammonden Water SC
6th 1014 Jools Abel East Lancs SC