Winsford Flash Open June 29th

Sunday June 29th saw the welcome return of Winsford Flash to the Northern Laser circuit. A total of 21 boats participated in the event, 11 of

them visitors. Ian Jones apologised on behalf of his fellow sailors and explained that there would have been a few more entries, but a large

pre-wedding celebration prevented one or two key players from attending. Perhaps they were still 'over the limit' this morning, and couldn't

risk driving!

Wind was predominantly from the Northwest, which is a difficult direction for Winsford, as it can get bent by trees and physical features

on the bank. Nevertheless, O.D. Mike Banner managed to set three workable courses, using the Committee Boat and a movable mark as a start

line, and the wind behaved itself for each start. It was only once the races got going that it started to play up. For Race 1, after a brisk start, it died

right back and boats were creeping along, the helms trying not to move in case they shook the wind out of their sails. These calm conditions

were however interspersed with some vicious gusts, which caused several 'knock downs'. In spite of these challenges, Ian Jones managed to build

up an unassailable lead, and actually lapped some of the back markers before finishing (I know, I was one of them). Just as the last of the fleet

was on the final leg of the race, the wind picked up again, and the last five boats enjoyed a nice brisk sail to the finishing line. Behind Ian in

second place came Alastair Mitchell (WFSC), and Elliot Hanson (Redesmere) was third.

After lunch, Races 2 and 3 were sailed virtually back to back. Race 2 was very dramatic, as a large and very black cloud drifted over the course

and discharged itself on all the competitors. Conditions became very lively for one lap, before dropping back to calm, at times almost windless,

conditions again. Ian Jones again won, followed by Elliot Hanson and Rob Holmes (Elton).

Race 3 was again a very mixed bag, and several boats decided to follow Ian Jones's example and did not start the race; Ian did it because,

with two firsts, he simply did not need to go out again. Others did it because they did not feel like facing another go in the challenging conditions

which varied from strong gusts to flat calm. Elliot Hanson won this race, giving him a 3,2,1 result, and second overall (First Junior) for

the event. Rob Holmes was second, which gave him five points after discard, and therefore third place overall (First Youth). Wendy Jones came

third in the race, and in fifth position overall was first Lady. Best Winsford boat was Alastair Mitchell, who with a 2,a 4 and a 5, managed fourth

overall. First Master was Steve Bellamy (WFSC) in 8th position. First Radial was Tom Whitehead (Sheffield Viking) in 12th.

Ian Jones stepped up to receive the Winsford Flash Laser Open trophy at Prizegiving, adding his name to it for a fourth time, having won it

in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Prizes were awarded to the first four competitors.

Thanks to everyone who turned up, and everyone who helped make this a successful event. There was a consensus that we would like to do it

all over again next year.