AVON AND SOMERSET CONSTABULARY’S FORCE CLUB
SAILING SECTION DINGHY SAILING OPEN
This annual regatta is incorporated into the running
of the
PSUK National Dinghy Sailing Championships 2022
Wednesday-Thursday,
15th-16th June, 2022
at Chew Valley Lake S.C..
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Following weeks of strong
steady winds, it was with some frustration that two days of very
light winds were forecast for the 2022 PSUK National Dinghy Sailing
Championships, again held at Chew Valley Lake Sailing Club.
Due to the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Force Club Sailing Section
making a real effort over the previous couple of years, it was
lovely to see previous competitors from many years ago, along with
some new names. Whilst attendance was not up to the heady days of
the 1990’s, 20 boats were entered and – fingers-crossed – there
still might be life left in the Championships.
Wednesday morning saw just the slightest of breeze around differing
areas of the lake, so the Race Officer, Keith Harris postponed until
after an early lunch, with the promise of more wind in the afternoon
and the hope that three races could be completed, back-to-back.
Boats got on the water at 13:00, and with the wind coming from the
south-west, made their way over to the east of the lake where the
committee boat was setting a triangular course. The race saw a good
start by most of the field, who then had to pick their way to the
windward mark, hoping that the wind wouldn’t shift too much.
Rob Jones, Hants in his Devoti D-One, would have preferred much
stronger winds, as would Anthony Onions and Lee Hill, Leicestershire
in their RS 400 and were always going to have to sail exceptionally
to beat the higher handicapped boats. Rob finished 2nd behind Nigel
Tinkler, Met sailing a RS Vareo, with another newcomer, Olly
Saunders, Northants sailing his Solo to third place, with Mick
Parnell, A&S, sailing his Comet coming 4th and Peter Walker, Met,
sailing a Laser 5th.
It was decided to keep the same course and the 2nd race got off
without incident, with most of the field getting off pretty much
together. With the winds dying and becoming shiftier, the better
sailors picking up the shifts quickly were able to make gains on the
rest of the field.
Nigel Taylor again won the 2nd race, with Olly Saunders and Rob
Jones swapping their race 1 positions, with Kim Huxtable and Malcolm
Dykes, A&S sailing an Omega, 4th and Ken Daniels, Met sailing his
Finn, 5th.
The race three start sequence began but, with winds at the windward
mark disappearing completely, the RO postponed to see if the wind
filled back in.
After about 15 minutes, the majority of the field decided to head
for shore, so racing was abandoned for the day. Typically, just as
all competitors made land, the whole lake filled with a steady
breeze, which would remain for the evening club racers.
Unfortunately, Day 2 saw even less breeze and, after an initial
postponement until 1200 hrs, racing was finally abandoned by the RO.
1st overall – Nigel Tinkler, MET – RS Vareo
2nd Overall – Olly Saunders, Northants – Solo
3rd Overall – Rob Jones, Hants – Devoti D-One
1st Laser – Peter Walker, Met
Even though there was little racing, the event reminded competitors
about the camaraderie of Police Sailing. It is very much hoped that
there will be an event held next year, hosted by the West Midlands
force.
J.S.
There are some additional pictures available on
flikr
Contact for the event:
Jim Shaw
Email:
jakshaw3@gmail.com
Mob: 0781 7870681
