Canoeing in the valley

Peter McLaren reports from the International Canoe meet in Chew Valley Lake SC

Apologies for non-attendance from regular canoe sailors included a broken wrist and a company office move. However those who went enjoyed a great weekend's sailing and socialising. Saturday saw a good southerly force 4-5 which increased to 6 during the first race.

The ACs were struggling to control spinnakers in the wind and many decided that discretion was the better part of valour. In the standard IC fleet the day was dominated by Simon Allen who revelled in the conditions and recorded 3 bullets, with Mark Goodchild following with three second places. Steve Bowen was narrowly ahead of the AC fleet overnight. A good evening's meal at the club was followed by rehydration and carbo-loading to provide some tender heads on Sunday morning.

Racing on the Sunday was alongside the club fleets, providing the members with an opportunity to see the spectacular canoes in action. In the best conditions of the weekend saw Simon win IC race 4, and local sailor Peter McLaren win in the ACs. The stronger winds in the afternoon were interrupted by a heavy rainstorm accompanied by light winds for half an hour before the skies cleared and the true wind re-exertec itself. There were further wins for Simon and Peter.

IC Results:

1. Simon Allen (Hayling Island SC) 4 pts.
2. Mark Goodchild (Medway YC) 8 pts.
3. Colin Newman (Draycote Water SC) 14 pts.

AC Results:

1. Peter McLaren (Chew Valley Lake SC) 11 pts.
2. Steve Bowen (Aberaeron SC) 15 pts.
3. Rob Bell (Grafham Water SC) 17 pts.