D-Zero Open at Bough Beech Sailing Club

Saturday 12th April saw the 2nd event of the D-Zero national traveller series held at Bough Beech SC in sunny Kent. Four visitors and two home D-Zeros were greeted by a light breeze twirling all over the place, though wind was forecast and would likely swing towards the dam wall.

The Race Officer briefed the assembled fleet of D-Zero, Finn and Streakers and readied us for a timely getaway as wind was forecast and would arrive.

As several Streakers amassed on the slipway, a few D-Zeros struggled to get away and then lightly drifted to the start, however the RO wasn't hanging around and got the Finn and D-Zero's away on a 321, with several of the D-Zero fleet still to arrive. Tom Southwell who had just got to the line, capitalised on this and shot off up the beat when some were only just starting as he rounded the first mark. Note to self, get ready even earlier and launch and wait next time. However Sam Bedford who started last was awarded first despite a couple of laps, so who knows what the RO was doing or thinking. Kim May-Papailiou with her small rig was doing well on the first lap though the light breeze wasn't enough and got overtaken on the second lap. Local Ian Patrick snatched second, followed by Gordon Stewart and Dave Valentine.

R2 under way now with everyone present and it was a close rounding at the first mark with Southwell, Patrick and Valentine close together with Stewart and Bedford pushing hard and a bit snakes and ladders could affect anyone. Southwell pulled round one mark and promptly took off with a good lead until the third lap when he got headed into the mark and Patrick and Valentine lifted in before him and managed to hold off Southwell to the finish.

Having waited for a good hour whilst the wind decided what to do, R3 finally got under way as breeze was starting to fill and had swung to a more steadier direction, with Southwell pulling away and holding off local boy Patrick all the way round the course. Valentine and Stewart were having a close race behind with Stewart just sneaking past Valentine on the last downwind and held to the finish. May-Papailiou having received a few tips on the smaller rig was making good use and pulled away from Bedford to finish ahead. Bedford more used to the sea was having a tough day in the office.

Last race, with wind having built a bit though still plenty of huge 30-40degree shifts (huge for sea sailors, average day for the locals and inland sailors), May-Papailiou made good use and pressured Patrick and Southwell who'd worked the shifts well and was again in the lead. Bedford decided enough was enough having been headed a couple of times and pushed to the back and bailed for the shore. Southwell took it from Patrick with May-Papailiou running in 3rd making excellent use of the smaller sail in a better breeze. Valentine just got the better of Stewart, and finished 4th and 5th, and headed for the shore to discuss the days challenges.

Overall Results: