Salcombe YC open meeting

Almost summer like conditions greeted the competitors for Salcombe’s final Open Meeting of 2007. With 2 visiting boats joining the strong local fleet, competitive racing was ensured. So much so that Keri Harris dug deep into his pockets, went to Northampton and bought Tom Stewart's boat on Friday

 Keri & Theo Harris in their new boat

The first race was a traditional sightseeing race around the Estuary with some interesting gybes into shallow water to test the faint of heart! The race was won by Jon Ibbotson ably crewed by Katy Meadowcroft borrowing N3473 – Meds was on babysitting duties for the weekend……..they were followed home by Fran and Sophie with Keri (India, pull that string I want to see what it does!) and India Harris trying to find Tom’s secret settings!

 Fran & Sophie

The breeze from Saturday held for Sunday and the boats set off to Gerston with the tide under them. With a run back against the tide the boats split in deciding which side of the estuary was best Jon and Katy chose the Portlemouth side, deciding that they needed to check the depth of the water off Millbay beach, oops there wasn’t enough! This allowed Keri and Theo Harris to take the win in their ‘new boat’ N3501! Fran and Sophie pushed them very hard up the last beat with Team ‘Master of Puppets’ third.

Nicky & Chris

With the tide having slackened the last race saw the boats going to Saltstone and then back to Yalton before doing a couple of circuits below the Club The third race was taken by Fran Gifford and Sophie Mackley which combined with a second behind Keri in race 2 gave them the overall victory, second overall were Keri and Theo with Jon and Katy third.

An enjoyable couple of days sailing was rounded off with tea, cake and for a few who didn’t have to travel (walk?) far something stronger………………

Results