Cheshire Constabulary Regatta,
Tuesday, 21st September, 2004,
Winsford Flash Sailing Club

Every one a winner at Cheshire....

The weather forecast had been for strong winds in the north-west with showers. This may have put a few entries off. However, 13 boats took part in one of the best fields of the year. A surprising number of Lasers were present. The winds came from a similar direction to last year - just stronger and more flukey - catching helms out at the most inopportune times. No-one escaped without capsizing at least once. At times, white horses on the surface of the water indicated strengths approaching Force 5.

Race One, in which all 13 boats started, culminated in only 5 finishers. Although the Lasers were well to the fore, the Solo of Rod Jenkinson was always well up with them as was Dave Burrows (GP). A lot depended on avoiding capsizes as the wind would puff and then die or overpower or get behind the sail, tipping helms in to windward. Roger Glass (Laser) suffered thus and retired early. Stuart Jenkins (Laser) took over the lead on the water but on the last lap capsized twice to allow Sivers to get ahead only to capsize himself. Meanwhile, Jenkinson sailed on, looking solid in the conditions to finish the race nearly four minutes ahead on corrected time.

Lunchtime was a welcome breather, with a number of repairs to gear taking place, and copious amount of water being splashed on the tops of sails which had ended up dredging in the shallow areas of the water. Weather conditions remained the same with a drop of light rain coming through on the winds. Warmer and drier clothing was called for.

Race Two again saw all 13 boats get to the start line. Conditions looked deceptively kinder but this did not prevent a large number of capsizes. With a very long start-line stretching from one side of the water to the other, the choice had to be made which end of the line was favourable; this was made difficult by the wind continually changing direction. A number decided for the middle of the line but by the top mark Jenkins, starting at the port end, had established a healthy lead and never looked back. Burrows sailing with Christine Moon had his best result of the day despite capsizes. Jenkinson managed third place this time and Glass, 4th picked up his first result of the day. The race had been close with the first four boats finishing well within a minute on corrected time. Paul Meeson and John Hickman (Lasers) had received general acceptance to change their full rig for Radial sails. This time 8 boats survived to get over the finish line.

Race Three was to decide the overall result between Stuart Jenkins and Rod Jenkinson. Three Lasers did not sail. After a straggly start when some boats failed to get to the start-line on time, three helms got ahead of the rest; Dave Burrows, Roger Glass and Paul Meeson. Rod Jenkinson suffered his only capsize of the day and came ashore mid-race whilst Burrows also capsized but recovered to press on. Stuart Jenkins was one of those late for the start but managed to work his way through the fleet to come in third. Andy Cuddon (Laser) claimed his first finish with an excellent fourth as did John Hickman (Laser Radial) with 6th place. The Avon & Somerset Comet Trio with Jeff Stratford and Bob Lowrie finished 7th with Gary Stephenson & David Shepherd (RS200) 8th. These were the only finishers in a race which, although the wind had relented slightly, had again demanded much concentration and risk taking, particularly at the gybe marks. Paul Meeson with his Radial sail crossed the finish line first, 17 seconds clear of the field which also gave him a clear win on corrected time ahead of Glass and Jenkins.

It had been a tough day. Well done to novices Tariq Chalabi & Andrew Herndlhofer (GP14) who despite the conditions, took part in every race. Excellent, testing and fair courses were provided by Bill Gover (OOD) with Phil Duggan (Ass't OOD).  Les Owen & Mandy Mitchell (Lead boat/Rescue) had a busy and valued day.

Prizes were presented by the Cheshire Constabulary Deputy Chief Constable, Mr Ian Holding. Presentations took some time as every competitor came away with a prize; a welcome facet that is particular to this regatta. Afterwards Stuart Jenkins thanked the staff of Winsford S.C. for their support and highlighted competitors who, without their support, the event could not take place.

As usual the event was excellently organised with splendid catering, presented in the galley by Jo Miller, which was again included in the entrance fee. The Cheshire Regatta is a hard act to follow and many thanks are accorded to Dave Burrows for his organisation of the event. Dave plans to retire during this next 12 months and it is anticipated that Paul Meeson will take over the organising for the Cheshire Regatta, 2005. His contact details are below.

R.S.