The Fireball fleet were welcomed by Blackwater Sailing Club on the 7th-8th June.
Saturday dawned grey but with a F2-3 and the 13 boat fleet got away to a clean start. Places were fiercely contested throughout the fleet with numerous place changes. Ian Priest/Mike Stoddart won after a close battle from Mark Maskell/Jon Watkins with Martin Scarth/Simon Maskell in third.
After a break, during which free refreshments and cake were provided, race two got under way with a fading breeze. Again there were plenty of place changes with Scarth/Maskell leading for much of the race only to be overhauled by Steve Kuhl/Judy Kuhl and George Whitchurch & Crew both making excellent tactical decisions to cross the tide early and clear the fleet approaching the final mark. Kuhl/Kuhl went on to win with Scarth/Maskell recovering to second with Whitchurch & Crew third.
Blackwater Sailing Club again excelled in providing refreshments and a fish & chip supper for all competitors free of charge.
Sunday provided sparkling conditions and a north westerly breeze providing trapezing conditions but with a few holes to make for a challenging day.
Race three was again closely fought with several boats taking the lead with Maskell/Watkins and Scarth/Maskell fighting for honours on the final beat, however Steve Jarred/Nick Collins had other ideas and sailed to good pressure on the starboard side of the course to overhaul the fleet and went on to win. Scarth/Maskell managed to squeeze past Maskell/Watkins to finish second and third respectively.
Going into the final race any one of four boats could win. Jarred/Collins made a great start, however once again the racing was close with only a few boat lengths between the leading pack. Scarth/Maskell got to the front and finally managed to retain their lead to the finish and also win the open. Maskell/Watkins managed to get inside of Jarred/Collins at the gybe mark and then close covered them to the finish line to take second with Jarred/Collins in third.
Many thanks must go to Blackwater Sailing Club for running an excellent open meeting, with particular mention to Nigel (broken shoulder) Sheppard and his team for their superb organisation and course setting. A special mention also needs to be made to Ian Priest for making the journey from Bristol.
Once again, the Fireball fleet must thank the club for their generous and very welcoming hospitality.
Overall Results:
1st Martin Scarth & Simon Maskell, 5pts
2nd Mark Maskell & Jon Watkins (Dr Krill), 7pts
3rd Steve Jarred & Nick Collins, 8pts
4th Ian Priest & Mike Stoddart, 9pts
5th Steve Kuhl & Judy Kuhl, 11pts
