News......
 20/10/09 - Tough time for yachts but successful for local pilots!

The first regatta in the 2009/10 British Land Yacht championship was held at Bassingbourn Barracks over the weekend of 17th — 18th October.

With light winds and cool temperatures, the conditions were challenging for pilots and spectators alike. Bacon sandwiches and a hot cups of tea seemed to keep the spectators happy though! For the pilots, light winds are always a good test of the skills, especially for those who are less experienced.

 The racing was very tightly contested in all classes (3, 5 and Standart) throughout the weekend with some dramatic events putting the top runner's positions in doubt. 

Anglia club member and Class 3 pilot, Garry Cavaliero ripped a sail mid race which forced his retirement. Before the next race he was able to change to his old back-up sail which according to fellow club member David Allen "looked like cheap toilet paper". Cavaliero seemed untroubled by the light-hearted dig or the performance his old sail, finishing a very strong 3rd place overall. In the final race, current British Class 3 champion, Guilden Morden's Steve Borrill, damaged his steering and was forced to retire. Luckily, this did not affect his position and he finished 2nd place overall. With a couple of fast brand new yachts in the field, Borrill will have to be on his guard this season. One of those new yachts is owned by Class 3 winner, Gareth Rowlands.

The Class 5 pilot and current world champion, Tim Spears won this event with consistent sailing and no mechanical faults. Current joint British champion, Rob Collins suffered 3 separate punctures over the weekend. After two wins in earlier races, the start of his 2009/10 season was looking promising. Then came a retirement due to a puncture and a poorer finish in another race — the pressure was on (but not on his tyres). One race in which he was leading, he suffered two punctures and made a dramatic wheel-change, mid-race with the assistance of his unofficial pit crew — spectators and pilots from other classes. It was reminiscent of F1 racing, with other yachts sailing past, each one was another position lost for Collins. Some mixed results for Collins, but a promising 2nd place overall. After consistent finishing, Mark Sidey finished in 3rd place. As Sidey and Collins are currently joint British champions, every race of every regatta is going to be hotly contested between these two pilots.

In the Standart Class, which is a one-design class ie. no yachts can vary in design or specification, the honours were taken by Yorkshire pilot, Martin Leach. As for the other classes, the racing was close. The lead changed several times in the early races until Leach finally stamped his authority to leave no doubt who was boss! Anglia club member, John Pickstone had several pleasing results, finishing his most successful regatta in 2nd place. He changed one of his wheels when at a pre-race check he noticed cracks appearing. This was due to rough conditions encountered at the recent European championships in Germany. Fellow Anglia club member Rhys Davies who finished 3rd in the regatta will be looking to improve on this position over the season, especially as he finished 2nd overall in the 2008/09 season.

Although the yachts had a tough time, it was a successful weekend for local pilots and Anglia Land Yacht club members. Anglia club members finished 2nd and 3rd in Class 3; 1st 2nd and 3rd in Class 5; 2nd and 3rd in Standart Class. We shall see over the 2009/10 season if these results weren't just the home advantage!
David Allen

Results
Class 3
1 - Gareth Rowland, 2 - Steve Borrill, 3 - Garry Cavaliero
Class 5
1 - Tim Spears, 2 - Rob Collins, 3 - Mark Sidey
Class Standart
1 - Martin Leach, 2 - John Pickstone, 3 - Rhys Davies

Event pics - courtesy of Richard Austin
Class 3
Class 5 and Standart

 

Anglia Land Yacht Club

Email : contact@anglialandsailing.co.uk