Competitors arrived to a cold but fresh northerly breeze. Race 1 saw a false early start for three competitors and Kevin Kirby fell off his new boat. Meanwhile, the rest of the fleet set off and local youngster James Tovey established an early lead to win the race convincingly, followed by Philip Howden and Jenny Ball.
Race 2 was the much celebrated figure of eight race round Osea and Northey Islands. The fleet set off on a fast paced reach round Osea. The whole fleet were still bunched together round the back of Northey Island with many different tactics in play to try and beat the pack. The two sport mode boats with George Stephen and Trevor Bulmer-Jones led the way home – but on handicap, the race went to Jenny Ball, followed by Bob Carter and Pete Richardson.
Sunday brought light and variable winds making the strong tide at Marconi a real challenge. After leading for most of the race, the fluky winds got the better of Jenny Ball and allowed Philip Howden to win the race with Bob Carter in third place. Eamonn Browne and Andrew Hannah were close behind and the rest of the fleet showed considerable perseverance to finish the race.
By race 4, a slightly stronger but variable wind had filled in. Jenny Ball entertained the fleet with an involuntary capsize just after the start. Eamonn Browne also obliged with a capsize on the third lap. George Stephen sailing sport mode took the lead and put plenty of clear water behind him to win on handicap, with Bob Carter, Nick Dewhurst, Philip Howden and Fenella Thomas following.
Overall results were very close reflecting an excellent weekends racing.
| Overall Results | |||
| 1st | Jenny Ball | Marconi | |
| 2nd | Philip Howden | Grafham Water | |
| 3rd | Bob Carter | Grafham Water | |
| 4th | George Stephen | Queen Mary | |
| 5th | Nick Dewhirst | Whitstable | |
| 6th | Pete Richardson | Marconi | |
| 7th | James Tovey | Marconi | |
For the full results, click here. (PDF)
