Last time Martyn Lewis (helm) and Richard Byne (crew) sailed together was 10 years ago in the Worlds in Australia. They paired up again for the Pinnell & Bax sponsored Winter Super Series at Draycote Water Sailing Club, going straight to the front of the fleet in a 17 year old Fireball 14226, initially with 10 year old sails! Proving that skills and experience count for everything. Not only that, they usually had healthy leads in all 20 races sailed between November 2007 and March 2008. They scored 8 firsts and 4 seconds!
Throughout the series, wind conditions were either light and awful or blowing its head off. When there was reasonable wind, then racing was very close and visiting helms, Dave Wade and Andy Smith, were given close runs by Lewis and Byne. The final races of the series were in some extreme winds, where only the foolhardy, brave souls ventured out, the rest watching from the warmth of the wet bar. However, “Rockers Revenge” showed remarkable stability, despite the evil gusts.
The Draycote Water Fireball Fleet has had another good winter super series, providing many sailors with memorable experiences. Martin Lewis particularly recalls straightening his mast to allow him to complete the day’s racing. Fortunately for Martin and his crew, Richard, his enabled them to take boat tuning and sailing to another amazing level.
Local sailors, Ian Weston (helm) and crew Keith Bundy also excelled in some conditions. Winter visitors Gary Russam (helm) and crew Andy came a respectable third overall. Club sailors, Mo Turner (helm) and Paul Brierley (crew) also had some fine races, as did Mike Deane (helm) and Paul Disney (crew) and Bob Morris (helm) and Paul Butler (crew).
Overall Results:
1st Martyn Lewis/Richard Byne
2nd Mike Deane/Paul Disney
3rd Gary Russam/Andy
4th Bob Morris/Paul Butler
5th Ian Weston/Keith Bundy
