RM Ranking 5 at Norwich Saturday 5th October 2024
Just 12 competitors arrived at Norwich to take part in RM Ranking 5. Showing once again that there are too may events taking place at the same time
Wind forecast was 5 – 8 knots from the South. This was probably the worse direction that you could find at Whitlingham. Nevertheless, PRO Vinnie Zammit and his team managed to get the racing going using various courses throughout the morning, Including running starts to a windward gate
Unfortunately, the local weed God decided to pay a visit to the Broad and for the first time for ages the weed affected the sailing and nearly all the boats were preyed on. With that, and the wind direction changing every 10 minutes or so, the Race Team had their work cut out, and It seemed that Graham Nelson in the rescue boat spent more time on the water than the shore.
By lunchtime 5 competitors had achieved first places and were pushing for the top spot.
After lunch things started to settle down, the wind direction changed to the SE which allowed the Race team to set a Windward / Leward course an lo and behold the Weed seemed to decrease.
By the end of the day Graham Bantock just eased himself into 1st place, closely followed by Rob Vice in 2nd just one point behind, Roy Stevens was placed third.
Overall a bit of a frustrating day for all, especially the race team. But well done to those competitors who stuck it out to the end.
Lorna Bantock adding some class to the event, presenting Graham with his prize.