The first day of racing opened with gusting force 5 - 7 winds from SSW; the Race Officer, David Clarke set two races with alternating 'sausage and triangle' laps between Beauthorn and Oldchurch. The conditions were testing and there were many spills and thrills as boats turned downwind under spinnaker. The positions of the leading boats were hotly contested with some close racing in demanding conditions. After two races the scene was set for more competitive racing, particularly between Fiery Chariot 4005, Raffi 4102, Steve Goacher 4021, Snaffu 4094 and Niffty 4031.
Saturday evening saw the fleet and friends enjoy the culinary delights of dinner in the clubhouse, with much convivial discussion of a lively day's racing. Racers took on board much delicious ballast in preparation for Sunday's racing.
Day 2 began with the moderation of the wind to force 3-5 and a change of direction to WSW; the absence of the heavy rain and squalls of the previous day were a welcome improvement. Courses were set between Sharrow Bay and Oldchurch. The top five positions in the fleet were again dominated by the same boats and the fleet enjoyed three races in improving weather conditions.
Andy McKee and Richard Jones in Fiery Chariot 4005 won out over the two days of racing with four first places and one-third, the latter discarded. Close racing ensured that 2nd and 3rd places were shared on equal points between Andrew Tunnicliffe and Ian Hopwood (Raffi 4102) and Steve Goacher and Tim Harper (4021).
4th and 5th places were again shared on equal points between John Hanson and Helen Selden (Snaffu 4094) and Nigel and Gavin Tullet (Niffty 4031).
The top three Ullswater Yacht Club boats were David Chandler and Paul Adams (4109), Jon Abbott and Chris Mullholland (3641), and Chris Taylor and Alison Bass (3628).
Prizes were awarded by Kathryn Hall, Commodore, and Paul Lewis, Keelboat Captain. Andy McKee and Richard Jones from Dovestone justifiably collected an astonishing array of booty, including the Bassenthwaite Cannon, the Loch Earn Quach, the Burntisland Cup, the Championship Trophy, and a prize from Ullswater Yacht Club. Had the Sunderland Sextant been available they would also have been awarded that too for winning the 5th race!
Andy Tunnicliffe and Ian Hopwood of Bassenthwaite Sailing Club were commended for their 2nd place overall, receiving prizes from UYC. The Windermere Cup was awarded too 'in absentia.'
3rd place was taken by Steve Goacher and Tim Harper from Royal Windermere Yacht Club who received prizes from UYC.
Commodore Kathryn applauded the contributions of the race team, including Pam and Sean Brooks who kindly donated the photographs shown attached. The launch and recovery team included Jason Bridgman, Martin Golden, and Paul Lewis. The safety crew of Edmund Clarke and Rick Boyce were also thanked
Winning helm Andy McKee thanked UYC for the excellent race management and hospitality. The whole fleet gave a round of applause for the excellent Saturday meal provided by the catering team. An excellent weekend's racing and socialising was enjoyed by all.
All results can be seen at https://ullswateryachtclub.org/open-events-2023/untitled-92.
Report by Paul Lewis Ullswater Yacht Club