2022

 

PSUK Dinghy Sailing Championships 2022 Wednesday-Thursday, 15th-16th June, 2022 at Chew Valley Lake S.C. 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

Organiser/Contact:
Jim Shaw
Email: jakshaw3@gmail.com
Mob: 0781 7870681

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