3 visitors joined 5 local boats for a glorious days sailing on the
Thames in Wargrave. Despite the good breeze, the trees and
geography made the winds very gusty, giving the competitors and
rescue boats something to think about !
The race officer made the best of the
conditions with an interesting course. In the 1st race John and
Mandy Thornton in N3443 got away off the line, making the most of
the clear air to extend their lead through the race. There was very
close racing for 2nd with Mike Day and Anne Murch in N3496, Nigel
and Chris White in N3490 and local sailor Steve Gent with Viv
Roberts in N2799 all taking turns at the front of the pack. Mike
improved his local knowledge through every lap, eventually
securing 2nd with Steve in 3rd and Nigel 4th.
After a pause for lunch the racing
resumed with Nigel and Chris getting a great start, closely followed
by Mike and Alex Storey in N3274. Nigel and Chris led to the most
windward stretch of the course, but were overhauled by the chasing
Thorntons who then continued to stretch their lead. More close
racing ensued with Mike and Anne again getting through to take 2nd
with Nigel & Chris 3rd (despite a brief swim) and Mike and Alex 4th.
The final race was started with a
different course, but amazingly, all boats achieved the same result
as in race 2, giving the Thorntons the Henley Commodores Cup. The
weather wasn't quite up to tea on the lawn, but all enjoyed the club
hospitality and tasty cakes !
Results
1st N3443 John and Mandy Thornton, Henley SC
2nd N3496 Mike Day and Anne Murch, St
Catherines SC
3rd N3490 Nigel and Chris White,
Burghfield SC
4th N2799 Steve Gent and Viv Roberts,
Henley SC (Admirals Cup prize)
Photos courtesy Duncan Mackay
