Dorset
Police
Open DinghyRegatta
Wednesday, 29th June, 2011
Venue: Poole Y.C.
Despite there being some notable absences, 15 boats was a
slight increase on the entries of recent
years. The reliable and meticulous John Yonwin was again our Race Officer.
He was confronted with wind variations throughout the day for the three
races completed using 'Olympic' courses - triangle/sausage. The regatta also
experienced a new class for police sailing - the K1, a single-hander with a
jib and a keel heavier than the dinghy; the likelihood of capsizing
therefore being somewhat remote.
Race One. Not an easy start to the day for the
Race Officer with the wind veering 110˚ during
the countdown. After a re-start, boats got away in light and variable wind.
The light conditions were not likely to suit all, particularly the Blaze,
the RS400 and the Osprey. However, Hawkes in the K1 found conditions
acceptable and with his usual skill kept in sight of faster rated boats to
win on corrected time. Alistair & Moira Glen in their Merlin Rocket were
second, just 4 seconds behind and Nick Mason with his new Phantom, third.
With a welcomed return to police regattas David Thomson came an excellent
fourth in conditions which hardly suited the Laser.
Race Two was held
back-to-back. The wind strengthened and this time the Glens got well ahead
pursued by Ian Ingram in the RS400 and the Gillespies' Osprey. Behind them
came Mason and Hawkes. Andy Williams in the Blaze found conditions much more
favourable and Thomson was again the leading Laser. The race was won by Glen
with the K1 second and Mason, third. With the increase in wind, the odd
capsize was liable to occur and the Fireball managed to stir up the bottom
of the harbour, losing their burgee in the process.
Race Three after
lunch. The odd dark cloud came over making for changes in wind strength. Ian
Ingram with crew Marie Bond got to grips with the conditions in their RS400
and gave the Merlin a good run for their money. The conditions created
further capsizes with Thomson surprised to find himself standing up in water
at almost waist height and for others it was crucial to quickly recover and
avoid sticking the mast in the mud. Mason produced his best result of the
day to win the race on corrected time with Hawkes second and the Merlin
third.
It had been an enjoyable
day's sailing, not least due to the once again, wonderful service provided by Poole
Yacht Club. For once, the three races had been won by three different
helms. There had been new faces on the police sailing scene and one hopes
that they will continue to support police regattas. All in all, another
successful regatta held by Dorset Police and we look forward to their
hosting the PSUK Dinghy Championships in 2013.
R.S.
Organiser: Rob Gillespie, Dorset Police Sailing
Section,
Rob Gillespie, Department F,
Poole Police Station, Wimborne Road, Poole BH15 2BP
Tel
01202 229301
rob.gillespie@dorset.pnn.police.uk
