DF 95 Champion Skipper Event 1 at Norwich MYC on 20 April
On Saturday 20 April 20 Skippers from 5 different Clubs arrived at Norwich to take part in the first of the DF 95 Champion Skipper series.
Unfortunately one skipper had Servo problems and had to retire before the first start of the meeting
Wind was veering from the North at 18 – 20 knots gusting 30 at times, so B and C rigs were initially the order of the day.
As the wind was from the North, PRO Vinnie Zammit and his team laid 2 courses side by side to allow a change as the wind veered. As it was the wind stayed in the NNW all morning so the Right hand course was used.
Due to the number of entrants and the wind conditions, HMS was used with a 4 boat Promotion /Demotion.
Winners of the two seeding races were Mark Holt from Norwich and Dave Green from Huntingdon. The 2 skippers then began a long series of close racing between them throughout the day .
Other notable winners through the day were, Andy Johnson, Dave Fowler and Ben Wallace.
After 4 races, and lunch, Mark H led the way with 3 points followed by Dave G with 7 and Dave Fowler all the way from Fairhaven in 3rd place with 9 points
On our return from lunch the wind started to veer to the NE and slowly decrease, so that A rigs could be seen on the water.
As usual in these tough conditions breakages were occurring and by race 7 competitor numbers had dropped to 15.
For the first time in years there was a protest at the club which resulted in the Protesting boat being disqualified.
As the wind had now settled from the NW and due to the numbers now competing the PRO decided to change the course completely, giving a much longer beat to the first mark, and allowing the fleet to sail as one. This was greeted with enthusiasm as most wanted to sail in a larger fleet.
Interesting to see that Dave G came to life in the last few races and indeed won the last 2. However Mark H kept up his consistency and managed to win the event with Dave 2nd and the much travelled Dave Fowler 3rd.
I think that all present were delighted to see Young Hayden Wallace sail so well and congratulations on his 13th place. One for the future. Hayden if you ever want to change Clubs you will be most welcome at Norwich.
Big thanks to all the race team for giving up their time in helping out.
Vinnie Zammit
