Graduate Open at Emberton Park Sailing Club
by Stewart Eaton 12 Apr 2016 01:06 PDT
10 April 2016
Graduates at Emberton Park © David Wilson
The first Open Meeting of the 2016 Graduate Class season took place at Emberton Park SC on 10 April. A small but select few gathered for racing in a brisk breeze and pleasant sunshine.
Race 1-An excellent start by Stewart Eaton and Clare Pritchard (G2880) put the first round the sheltered windward mark, though they were soon overtaken by David and Sandra Wilson (G3010), despite David falling overboard on the first beat. On the first run, however, the Wilsons capsized, handing the race to Eaton and Pritchard. The Wilsons then packed up due to a cold crew!
Race two-Eaton and Pritchard took a large lead, only to be caught by Hamilton and Alastair Roaf (G2901) on the last run. Unfortunately, the Roafs hit the leeward mark, allowing Eaton and Pritchard to take the bullet.
Race three was much more closely fought, with local team Jack Bryant and Daniel Fisher (G2900-the original Rooster!) taking the lead. However, Eaton and Pritchard fought through to take the lead, and whilst still in with a shout, Roosters main halyard snapped and scuppered their chances. A navigational error meant the Roaf crew were well behind but did enough for second overall
Thanks to EPSC for the usual excellent hospitality-a great day's sailing
Overall Results:
1st 2880 Stewart Eaton & Clare Pritchard (West Oxfordshire SC)
2nd 2901 Hamilton& Alastair Roaf (Chipstead SC)
3rd 2900 Jack Bryant & Daniel Fisher (Emberton Park SC)