This was the last Open Event for me before the GP14 Nationals in the beginning of August, so it was a chance to test our mettle against some stiff competition from outside the club.
There were 20 boats today, so a reasonable field to fight.
We showed lots of promise - got to the windward mark in 4th place during the first couple of races, and really managed to get the boat beating upwind. But I was never able to capitalise on those positions, and ended up 10th or 9th.
The last race we were about 15th, after some complete mis-reading of the wind-shifts. Our final overall position was 12th.
Mike Smith did some great crewing, and was able to keep us in contention all of the time - it was a pleasure sailing with him, as always. I just get frustrated when we can't capitalise on our potential.
My good friend Ricardo managed to get the Silver trophy - a mug with the HP Victor Bomber on it.
As for me, I think it's back to the gym again to get those Core muscles strengthened before we go down to the GP14 National Championships in Brixham at the end of the month.
The photo shows us heading for No 3. mark, in pursuit of Martin Hime, with Jim Dimond following us.
I forgot to mention that my hands are blistered because of problems with gloves !!
ReplyDeleteThe Victor Trophy is so called because the prize has a model of the Handley Page Victor bomber. This was one of the famous "V" bombers which carried atomic bombs in the 1950s & 60s. The trophy was originally presented to Handley Page sailing club, as the prize for an annual regatta on the Welsh Harp.
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