Open meeting reports

Merlins at Wembley, Canoes at Blithfield, Lightnings at Fishers Green

Gareth Caldwell reports from Blithfield:

An impressive fleet of Canoes visited Blithfield for the second Premier event in the Canoe calender. Abilities spanned the spectrum, with newcomers to the fleet who had only had their boat a couple of weeks learning from the expertise of past World champions.

Sunshine and a force 3 (of course!) was the order of the day for Saturday. The wind was blowing across the lake making for some gusty conditions. For the first race a common course was set for both fleets, with Robin Wood and Simon Allen scoring victories. Fast and furious windward/leeward courses were sailed by the ACs in races two and three, making for some good battles between Robin, Steve, Rob and Peter. Finding and responding to pressure, from wind filling from over the dam, was at a premium in the very tight racing between the ICs with Simon, John and Alan showing impressive turn of speed.

Saturday night refreshment was sought at the Coach and Horses, then a return to the clubhouse for more ‘tactical talk’.

An early Sunday start in an increasing Force 5 breeze saw boat handling to the fore. Tacks were (mostly!) completed with care, and gybes planned a long way in advance! Rob and Steve showed impressive control of spinnakers, with Colin Newman’s sailing of his new craft impressive in the increasingly gusty conditions.

Pushed hard by John, Simon showed consistency throughout and was a worthy winner of Blithfield’s inaugural canoe open. Credit must go to the race management of Ian MacDonald, Keith and Jonathan Gibbons who ran some excellent racing, and to Strandek UK for the excellent prizes and sponsorship.

Results

ACs
Steve Bowen 2 2 1 2 rtd 7 pts
Peter McLaren 3 3 6 3 1 10 pts
Rob Bell 4 4 2 1 dnc 11pts

ICs
Simon Allen 1 2 2 1 1 5pts
John Ellis 2 1 1 dnc 2 6pts
Gareth Caldwell 4 4 2 2 3 12pts
Colin Newman 5 5 5 3 4 17pts
Alan Powell 3 rtd dnc 20pts 3 4