Mirror, Heron and Topper Open 21 June 2009

Warm & cloudy – Wind, Force 1, variable in direction.

Mirrors

Race 1. Peter Sedgewick(14) from Ripon, led the field throughout the race, albeit that Mark Hide of Ripon, Bob Towler of Beaver and our own Lulham-Robinson boys appeared to be glued to his rudder. After spreading out a little, they once again attached themselves to Peter’s transom (albeit in a different order). Peter had had enough. He charged off (there must be a little engine in his boat), leaving a thrilling battle (a long way) behind. Mark was a worthy second, with the young L-Robinson boys third.

Second Race. This time the Lulham-Robinsons established a very good lead, with Oliver Wright of Ripon in pursuit, Peter in third place. Then Oliver managed to get in front, until our young contestants used their local knowledge to find a new way down the Tarn. But danger loomed, as they were spotted by Peter, who shadowed them and nipped in front during the last furlong. The Beaver veteran, Bob Towler, had worked his way industriously into third place.

Third Race. In the absence of wind, Peter lost no time in establishing his lead, which he gradually but inexorably extended. All that the Lulham- Robs and Oliver could do was to follow him round, attaining second and third places.

A Masterclass by Peter Sedgewick, who clearly has a great future.


FULL ROLL CALL

1 67493 Sedgewick Peter Ripon S.C.
2 70534 Lulham-Robinson Matthew Yeadon S.C.
3 68366 Hide Mark Ripon S.C.
4 70442 Towler Bob Beaver S.C.
5 70010 White Oliver Ripon S.C.
6 70167 Hide Ellie Ripon S.C.


Herons

Dennis Beard had the newest boat at Yeadon, and Chris Dufton sails the oldest boat in Yorkshire (perhaps in the world?). Despite attaching himself to Dennis’s tail initially, age always tells (the boat, not the occupants), and Dennis gradually drew away.

Race 2. A different kettle of fish. The boats were inseparable, Dennis leading, until The Old Fox turned the tables at the last furlong. One set all!

Race 3. Dennis was defending his title, and left nothing to chance. He led, and kept it. Pity Chris is not an M.P.

FULL ROLL CALL

1 10070 Beard Denis Yeadon S.C.
2 108 Dufton Chris Yeadon S.C.


Toppers

Again, a dearth of visitors, but a better home turnout.

Race 1. Katie McInnes got off to a fine start, but from the rear of the fleet Patrick Gaunt sailed right through it and established a lead. Regretably, this effort must have worn him out, as he then gradually reverted to his opening position. This let Katie back in, and she held the lead thereafter. Sarah Woffenden had mounted an early challenge, but our international windsurfer John Horton, quietly waiting in the wings, finally pushed through, forcing Sarah into third place.

Race 2. John Horton (the heaviest sailor – even before his two 2 lunches) eatablished an excellent start, and his lead over the fleet just grew and grew. Patrick, with the rest of the fleet, fought valiantly, but all was lost, and the lighter (and, possibly more athletic) Katie, took second place, Patick third.

Race 3. It looked as though John Horton was going to do it again, but the wind (what wind) was dying, his lunch had clearly settled, and the elfin Katie took, and held, the lead. John kept the rest of the fleet behind him, leaving Sarah and Patrick fighting it out. Patrick triumphed. Most ungentlemanly.

Our promising junior, Vanessa Kennedy, fought bravely and stoically, against the experienced sailors throughout the whole day, with great credit. Well done, Vanessa.
Katie was awarded the Yeadon Top Hat trophy.

FULL ROLL CALL
1 41006 Katie McInnes Yeadon S.C.
2. 22237 John Horton “
3. 35355 Patrick Gaunt “
4. 11683 Sarah Woffenden “
5. 36169 Vanessa Kennedy “