Now that the
Covid threat has greatly diminished we have finally resumed the four
seasonal series and as we are now into Spring, it seems logical to
start the Spring Series but with a handicap system which will assist
the less experienced and hopefully encourage new sailors to compete
with the more experienced skippers.Despite the foul weather
conditions, six yachts competed in Round 1 of this year’s
competition. George Younger got off to a good start by winning the
first race ahead of Paul. Peter Guest came in third place ahead of
Stuart Axon and Brian Joyce.
The following race saw Roger Crates come into the fleet and he
won this and the following two races, demonstrating the skills that
have seen him well placed in the Northern Region league table
for last season and flying the flag for BMBS. Paul managed to win
Race 5 but Roger claimed the sixth and won the maximum points for
the day, ahead of George and Paul.
Report by Paul Beardshaw B.M.B.S. Yacht Captain
Round 2
A gloriously sunny spring day saw Round 2 of the 2023 Spring
Splash take place at the lake in light, but sailable winds. A
triangular course was set from between Buoys 5 and 6 across the lake
to Buoy 3 then on to Buoy 8 and back to 5 for two laps with the
usual finish at 8. The five skippers set off, and Paul Beardshaw got
off to a strong start by winning the first three races ahead of
Roger Monks in Races 1 and 3 and George Younger in Race 2. Meanwhile
Brian Joyce was struggling but his fortunes turned after Stuart Axon
ran aground in Race 3 leaving Brian in fourth place. By this time
his accumulated handicap became a huge benefit and he managed wins
in Races 4 and 5. VAR confirms that he DID complete two laps! Well
done Brian. Congratulations also to Stuart Axon who recovered well
to win the final race.
The honours for the day went to Paul Beardshaw with Roger Monks
finishing in the second spot and Brian Joyce third.
It’s early days yet, and the handicaps are already having quite
an effect. Let’s hope for many more sunny days like today.
Round 3
Five skippers enjoyed a good breeze and fine weather for Round 3
of this year’s Spring Splash. A figure of eight course was set from
Buoy 7, diagonally across the lake to Buoy 3 then down to Buoy 1 and
diagonally to Buoy 5 and returning to Buoy 7 again. After two full
laps the finish was at Buoy 8 as normal.
Paul got off to another strong start by winning the first race
closely followed by George and Stuart. The first two places were
reversed in Race 2 with Stuart again finishing third. Roger seemed
to be struggling and changed to the larger set of sails to match the
rest of the fleet. This had an immediate effect and he won Race 3.
Race 4 saw George win again, but none of the others could overtake
Brian Joyce who finished 2nd. Stuart had to retire from the race
with a rudder problem and was getting dizzy in the centre of the
lake. The last two races were shared by Roger and George and Stuart
recovered to finish 2nd in the last race.
As a result, George won maximum points for the day. Paul was
second in the round and Roger Monks was third. He scored the same
points as Stuart but was placed ahead of him by the count back
system.
Report by
Paul Beardshaw B.M.B.S. Yacht Captain
Round 5
Just five skippers took part in Round 5 of the 2023 Spring Splash
and a bright but rather cool afternoon.
There was a decent breeze which resulted in some good racing
between the fleet.
Sadly, Roger Monks was again suffering battery connectivity
problems and couldn’t compete at all.
After setting a figure of eight course around buoys 7,3,1,5 and
back to Buoy 7 for a second lap but finishing from Buoy 1 to the
usual finish at Buoy 8, Paul Beardshaw got off to a flying start but
in the wrong direction! Fortunately for him, everyone else followed
and Paul recovered to win Race 1 ahead of Roger Crates and George
(what’s your second name?) Younger. Race 2 was a repeat with Stuart
Axon and Peter Guest exchanging 4th and 5th places. Race 3 saw a
complete change of fortunes. Paul missed a couple of Buoys and ended
up in the last place. Peter Guest won the race ahead of Roger Crates
and Stuart Axon. Well done Peter but your prize for winning was a
ten second handicap in the next race. George Younger won the fifth
race ahead of Peter and Stuart. The last two races were shared
between Paul and Roger in 1st and 2nd places. Peter finished 3rd in
both leaving George and Stuart to share 4th and 5th places. The
handicaps worked well today enabling some close finishes and a good
day’s racing.
The clear winner for the day was Roger Crates with Paul Beardshaw
in 2nd.
Peter Guest finished in an excellent 3rd place ahead of George
and Stuart.
As a by- note, if Paul who sails number yacht 97 reads this,
would he please forward his surname to either Paul Beardshaw or John
Foster so he can be included, and see his name up in lights! Thank
you.
Report by
Paul Beardshaw B.M.B.S. Yacht Captain
Round 6
It was a beautiful sunny and warm day for Round 6 of this year’s
Spring Splash.
It was lovely to welcome old and new members to the competition.
Race 1 got underway with Roger Crates once again showing his fine
form and winning just ahead of Paul Beardshaw. Derek Frank announced
his return by coming third ahead of Stuart Axon and returning member
Peter Walkinshaw . In the second race , Roger Crates and Paul came
1st and 2nd again with Peter Walkinshaw in third. Roger Crates won
races 3 and 4. Paul and Peter took the 2nd and 3rd places
alternately. Peter Walkinshaw won Race 5 but Roger returned to his
winning ways and won races 6 and 7 which ensured that he was skipper
of the day with Paul Beardshaw in second place. Peter Walkinshaw was
third just ahead of Brian Joyce. There are still a few rounds left
to climb up the league as the best four results count in the final
tally. Roger Crates deservedly looks to be in a commanding position
but the fat lady isn't singing yet and no doubt several placing
changes will occur before the end of June.
Report by
Paul Beardshaw B.M.B.S. Yacht Captain