The weekend proved to be a Race Officer's nightmare as whatever light wind there was varied in direction. However, 20 Merlin Rockets took the challenge for a weekend at Hollingworth Lake, joined by 3 more on Sunday.
On Saturday, the Race Officer wondered whether there would be any sailing that day but, after a long postponement, a light easterly (normally a good direction at the Lake) set in. Caroline Croft, with Jane Clayton, led from the start and negotiated flat calms without loss. For two laps there was good racing and then came flat calm and a struggle to complete the race. Local sailors kept their heads to fill the next four places despite the snakes and ladders racing. The order would be critical in the final results with David Winder and Pippa Taylor second, followed by Julian Parry with Becca Jones and Steve Crook crewed by Sally Townend. As usual, there was plenty of time to relax and enjoy the renowned Felucca Supper.
Sunday brought 3 more boats to contest the Silver Tiller element of the event. This time David Winder took control keeping Caroline Croft in second during 2 laps of pleasant sailing in the light easterly wind, which then faded dramatically and boats taking 40 minutes to complete the third lap. The lunch break now saw a big change with a breeze coming from the south-west. So, for Race 3, there was a contrast to the course setting. A clear start saw the fleet spread out with those holding on starboard, seeming to be favoured but risking a flat spot when they tacked. Steve Crook held his nerve and kept tacking along the shore to round the mark ahead, but then overtaken by Caroline Croft. Crook regains the lead and builds a useful lead to the finish as the race is shortened. Croft held second place after taking some risks on the windward leg with a challenge from Andy Smith and Emma Turner, and leading Solo sailor Steve Denison with Ben Rayner.
The pressure of the final race saw a general recall and the black flag. That ensured a clear start with David Winder taking the lead (which he would need to hold to win the overall event). This was short-lived as Nick Heginbotham, with daughter Lucy, overtook downwind and kept a stream of air clear. On the upwind legs the wind, occasionally freshening, is more southerly. Chris Gould and Chris Kilsby take advantage and gain the lead with Steve and Gill Leney in the fray. Four leading boats got away as the wind dropped behind downwind. Crook battling with Matt Biggs and John Hackett both suffer as they saw fresh wind and a group of boats running towards them. In this group, Richard Whitworth and Evan Parry find a better way on the next windward leg to gain a number of places to finish 5th. Gould held the lead to the finish, with the Leneys second and David Winder in third.
So the overall result of the Felucca Trophy was success for the girl team of Caroline Croft and Jane Clayton, while the Silver Tiller result went to David Winder and Pippa Taylor.
By Graham Knox
