The haves and the have(k)nots….

Day 2 of the MD IOM ranking at Midland SC brought the promise of a nice breeze across the lake, sailing off the dam wall with elevated views over a large race course.

Well, that’s what we thought, but yet again Chris H (PRO) hadn’t paid the wind Gods enough money and they toyed with him all day, sometimes giving him hope and then squashing him (and the wind) at a moments notice. Unfortunately, during the seeding races the wind started to go round more westerly leading Chris to change the course during race 2 with everyone now off the dam wall and back in front of the boat park.

Chris and his team worked tirelessly to keep the racing flowing and the skippers content all day despite the conditions, however a midday protest didn’t help things and a slow days sailing in perfect weather (for sunbathing) was the result.

The racing was very tough with parts of the course having pressure and others nothing, thing was, it could have been where your boat was or not, it was just a matter of luck at times. The dam wall and concrete sides gave some interesting wave conditions with what appeared to be a wall induced chop effecting the boats on the run in even the slightest breeze, at times this completely shook all the drive out of the sails.

Despite the fickle wind the hospitality of the host club and glorious sunshine kept the competitors under control and although only 5  races were completed everyone left the venue having had a good weekend. Top Ten positions were much as the previous day, with just as Saturday a point here or there meaning the difference between 5th and 10th.

Boy is it tight at these events now!

Top five:

1. Brad Gibson

2. Rob Walsh

3. Josh King

4. Martin Roberts

5. Tony Edwards.

Full results at the bottom of the page.

A massive thank you to Chris Harris, Vic Bellerson, Martin Dovey, Jon Humphries, Mike Harris, Mark Dicks and all the other helpers from Bournville MYPBC along with the Midland SC for giving up their weekend to allow others to sail and thanks for sticking to the task.

Finally……

Things we learnt this weekend:

1. Alex Corey doesn’t do late nights and drink.

2. Nigel Brown isn’t much better.

3. Rob Walsh and Josh King thrive on late nights and drink.

4. It doesn’t make any difference to Brad Gibson!

Next big gathering is the Nationals at Datchet, see you all there 🙂