Gloucester Federation Regatta

Sunday 20^th April

22 boats representing 3 of the Cotswold Federation clubs turned out to compete at the Federation regatta.  The boats ranged from an optimist to a phantom with many other classes being represented too.  This inter club event is sailed over two races and won by the club with the total of four best results in each race. Strength in depth is the key to winning.

The start in race one was closely fought with some boats just managing to luff round the favoured port end.  Gavin Young from Cotswold soon found his pace in the light airs and steadily drove his Phantom further and further ahead.  Dave Lynall of Bowmoor sailing an RS Vareo took a couple of laps to get clear of the pack and then pulled away in the clear air.  Phil Kirk and James Askew of Frampton had a close battle with the RS200 of Paul Dorer and Antonia Elsender of Bormoor  throughout the race until a clash of masts left Phil and James doing turns.  Once the handicaps had been applied Gavin Young was first with Phil and James Second and Ken Elsey of Frampton third.

The second race was sailed in more breeze, although the random shifts and gusts still prevailed.  The second start was even closer with some boats reaching the pin end early and having to gybe away.  Gavin Young was one of the few who succeeded at that end and led at the windward mark.  He was closely followed by fellow Cotswold sailor Clif Milinner in a laser.  Third round were Phil Kirk and James Askew in the Enterprise. There were places to be won if the shifts were used correctly but the losses were great if you got it wrong.  Dave Lynall sailed his RS Vareo clear of the pack earlier this time and revelled in the better breeze.  He hunted down Clif’s Laser and overtook him before the finish. The first three were now clear ahead on handicap as well as on the water Al Keck of Bowmoor was the next to break out of the pack but capsized his laser at a windward mark and lost all his gains.  Just behind him Phil and James were using the shifts to stay ahead of Steve Brown’s Finn from Cotswold sailing club and Paul and Antonia’s RS200. On handicap Gavin Young was first followed by Clif Milinner and Dave Lynall.

The surprises were towards the back of the fleet.  11 year old Henry Martindale of Frampton was quietly sailing his optimist around shadowing the toppers but sneaked into 5^th Place on Handicap. 

The overall results put Gavin Young (Cotswold) in first place with Phil Kirk and James Askew (Frampton) 2^nd and Dave Lynall (Bowmoor) 3^rd.  The first Senior trophy went to Ken Elsey (Frampton).  The first lady trophy was hotly contested and the scores were very, very close in the end it was by Lynn Gregson (Frampton) who took it by just one point ahead of the next two female sailors.  The first junior trophy went to Henry Martindale (Frampton).