MPSC held their annual dinghy regatta at the Island Barn Reservoir - a new location for this event. It is similar in construction to most of the reservoirs surrounding the airport. That is to say, a water level raised above the surrounding area. 11 entries was reasonable considering previous numbers but a few regulars were missing. There were eight Met entries and just 3 visitors. The wind forecast was light with a possible change later in the day. For a change, 4 races to be held.

For the first race conditions were extremely light. A trapezoid course was set and the art was to find the best way up the beat, for the wind was giving little away as to the best time to tack - conditions which faced the competitors throughout most of the day. Frances Gifford (Merlin Rocket) lead the fleet round the course with John Oldham (Phantom) in pursuit. However the Lasers were not too far behind with a close tussle continuing throughout the race between Graham Cooke and Tony Hyland. On corrected time Gifford won with Cooke second and Hyland third.

Next race was back-to-back with the same course and the wind little different. The results were were virtually the same with David Thompson gaining the third place on corrected time.

After lunch the course was change to incorporate two beats. The wind began to give signs of increasing slightly. With the change in conditions the Lasers came into their own with Cooke winning, Thompson second & Hyland third. Fifth and first visitor was Steve Tatton (West Mids) sailing a 'pre 999' Phantom which provided a rating to beat the other Phantom for once.

The wind increased somewhat for the fourth race and provided some gusts on the water. On the beats the wind was still indeterminate and positions changed accordingly. The race was won by Andy & Kate Moore (Met) in the RS Vision with Hyland just ahead of Cooke.

For once the perennial winners, Gifford & Walker were beaten by 'a blast from the past', Graham Cooke.

 

Regatta Results