A light northerly breeze greeted, this the first Open of 2023.
Race one saw Stuart and Nick Hydon command the pin end of the line which gave them the advantage to the first mark. Jonny Coate and Kate Phillips went around second. Stuart and Nick manged eventually to pull clear which gave them a comfortable lead. Second place was secured by Jonny and Kate after a last minute charge from John Billington and Chloe Dawson.
Race 2 was a repeat of the second with Stuart and Nick pulling away only to lose critical distance towards the end of the race. After a brief skirmish and the benefit of a private breeze downwind their lead was re-established. John and Chloe held third ahead of Sam Bailey and Finlay Morgan.
The final race was led by Jonny and Kate with Sam and Morgan battling for second. Stuart and Julia Allen were third ahead of John and Chloe until a gust nearly forced a near capsize of both boats. The Allen’s came off worse, which enable John and Chloe through.
Thanks to South Staff SC for hosting an enjoyable event with the legendary cakes from Holly!!
Final positions were:
1st 2495 Stuart and Nick Hydon Shustoke/Dittisham SC
2nd 2464 Jonny Coate and Kate Phillips South Staffs SC
3rd 2536 Sam Bailey and Finley Morgan South Staffs
4th 2525 John Billington and Chloe Dawson South Staffs SC
5th 2509 Stuart and Julia Allen Banbury SC
