Scaling Dam SC Streaker Open 2007
By John Tate
The aim in bringing this event forward from its traditional October timing to
July was to break the curse of its history of strong winds. Some 16 visitors,
all sharing this aim, travelled to this most northerly venue in the Streaker
Class open meeting circuit but alas the curse prevailed … and did it blow!!
The Club House offered some shelter on the shore from the westerly wind. On
the water white capped waves and the gusting Force 6 wind greeted the 13 boats
that ventured to the start line. Many did not make the start line and those
that successfully started had to battle their way through an obstacle course
of upturned dinghies and industrious rescue craft. Race One was soon abandoned
much to the disappointment of Ian Bradley who was leading the fleet at the time.
Race Two attracted a reduced fleet to the line in almost unchanged conditions.
Ian Bradley was first to round the windward mark followed by Stuart Hood but
alas these two reached off towards the wrong mark and despite courteous calls
from following boats their ultimate recovery left them conceding the lead to
Nick Lovell. A selection of spectacular capsizes entertained the growing audience
of spectators and reduced the finishing boats to four with Nick Lovell holding
onto first place, Ian Bradley recovering to take second place followed by local
girl Zoe Meynell and then Chris Spencer.
The final race would decide the event result and in somewhat improved conditions
Ian Bradley rounded the windward first mark ahead of Nick Lovell. Ian’s
off-wind speed was superior to Nick’s but Nick was making better progress
upwind making for a close contest. Following a screaming run down the length
of the reservoir, a capsize by Ian at the final gybe mark looked to offer Nick
a chance to take the lead however Ian’s boat was lying close to the mark.
Nick’s route was constrained and he lost his chance as he too capsized.
A swift recovery by Ian provided him with the lead to the finish. Young Chris
Spencer showed growing mastery of the Streaker to pip Zoe Meynell for the subsequent
places and Roger Wallis showed his experience to survive the day and take fifth
place.
Scaling Dam Sailing Club appreciates the commitment of all those who travelled
to this event. We trust that next year offers a more agreeable sail for all
to enjoy.
Results:
1st Ian Bradley 1619 Ouse Amateur S.C. 3
2nd Nick Lovell 1541 Ouse Amateur S.C. 3
3rd Chris Spencer 1518 Welton S.C. 7
4th Zoe Meynell 1524 Scaling Dam S.C. 7
5th Roger Wallis 1360 South Yorkshire 18