IOM NE-SW Clubs Challenge Regatta 2010 25th and 26th September at Woodspring MSC

Report by Bob Conner

This year was the turn of the Southwest to host this competition. Unfortunately the date clashed with the European championships and one of the regulars – Ian Dundas had a big decision to make – France or Portishead – France won!! Scotland had another member short the day before the event. Alistair Law had his car broken into whilst stopping overnight in Edinburgh and he was unable to continue to Bristol and made his way back home instead. Steve Taylor was also unable to make the sailing on the Saturday but sailed for the NE on Sunday.

Lisa Reeves, a member of Birkenhead, was invited and Lisa and some members of the SW evened up the team for the NE.

Chris Jackson offered to be Race Officer on Saturday and kept all 10 skippers in line, sailing 14 races. The weather was ideal – sunny and a north wind of 8mph. All races were sailed with good humour between the teams everyone doing turns without any protests.

At the end of Saturday’s sailing the NE were ahead by 1.6 points. The top skipper of the day was Lisa. Best skipper went to Sarah Conner.

The skippers and their partners then enjoyed a meal at Bottolinos and spent the evening recalling the days sailing and then further drinking at The Lodge where Shaky (Bill) and Steve were staying.

Alan Chidgey kept us all in order as Race Officer on Sunday and again there was another day of enjoyable sailing. The weather was similar to Saturday. Halfway through the day the SW had made up points and moved ahead by a small margin.

At the end of a very enjoyable weekend of sailing the NE won by 0.3 of a point. Top skipper of the day was Steve Taylor who travelled all the way from Scotland for one day of sailing. Top score went to Trevor Bamforth.

The Quaich Trophy went back to Scotland.

Thank You to Tony Cramp for all his hard work with the scoring over the weekend, to Tracey for helping taking the scores on both Saturday and Sunday, and to Sue Conner for organizing the Saturday evening meal.

Next year the event takes place in Aberdeen, anyone is welcome to join in for a weekend of good sailing and excellent socializing. Although the weather up north is always wet, windy and definitely storm suit, the welcome is always warm.