Flying Fifteen Open at Broxbourne Sailing Club

Broxbourne Flying Fifteen Open © Amanda Wilkinson

Pip Hudson and Matthew during the Broxbourne Flying Fifteen Open © Amanda Wilkinson

The forecast was for high winds on Saturday and the decision was made during the week to cancel Saturday and hold three races on Sunday. On arrival it looked very sailable though several boats decided the conditions were too much for them and in the end only nine local boats entered, three of them with our cadet members as crew. As we left the shore the big black gusts started to appear across the water and by the start it was quite lively.

Pip Hudson crewed by Matthew in FF3889 led off the start and were never headed. They soon had a large lead being one of the few boats comfortable with flying a spinnaker. Behind them Brian Turner and Jackie Burns in FF3707 eventually finished second followed by Richard Anthony and Ian Rintoul in FF3715. The race was memorable for some exciting downwind planing. Our fleet senior member sensibly decided that conditions were too much and retired during the first round. The remainder all finished without any major mishaps.

The fleet then repaired to the clubhouse for a terrific lunch and to contemplate the conditions for the remaining races. Understandably a few decided to call it a day and a much smaller fleet went out for the second race.

After a strong squall, the second race started in easer conditions. It was a tightly contested start and FF3707 led at the first mark followed by FF3889 then Bob Mecham and Ian Fleming in FF3630 who had decided to sit out the first race and preserve their energy. In the lighter conditions FF3707 continued to extend, FF3889 then lost some time jury rigging a failed kicking strap shackle and were overtaken by FF3630. At the finish FF3889 just squeezed past FF3630 for second place. Thus it was all set up for a final race decider.

Broxbourne Flying Fifteen Open - photo © Amanda Wilkinson

Having felt a little underpowered in race 2, FF3889 removed the raking pins to set up for a straighter mast. At the start the stronger winds returned and a good start saw Pip and Matthew into a good lead at the first mark. Behind them it was very close with much place changing as the race progressed. At the finish FF3630 finished second and FF3707 could only manage fifth.

Thus Pip and Matthew were first, Brian and Jackie second and making a late run, Bob and Ian third.

Broxbourne Flying Fifteen Open - photo © Amanda Wilkinson

Well done to our cadet crews, Matthew, Alice and Merry for supporting our event. They all enjoyed themselves and will be back for more.

Overall Results: