Warsash Blaze Open 14/15 June

Chris Coleman writes:

The Blaze open meeting at Warsash SC on June 14 and 15 attracted thirteen entries including Jonathan Saunders from Dovey YC, John Abbott from Oxford SC, along with five of the Burghfield boyz and six boats from the home fleet.

At the briefing PRO John Spencer expressed concern about the breeze, or lack of it and as the two previous Blaze events, including the Nationals, had been cancelled due to no wind, everyone else was also worried! However, once the fleet had sailed out to the race area, near the aptly named ‘Solent Breezes’, a south-westerly sea breeze kicked in and increased up to twenty knots by the third race of the day.

Race 1 saw Chris Coleman port tack the fleet from the pin end to lead at the windward mark. Mike ‘Cirrus’ Lyons, the class builder, sailing his new very smart grey mark 3, surfed past Coleman on the reach and held the lead to the end of the 2 lap triangle and sausage course. Bob Cowan was third and Simon Beddows fourth.

This set the pattern for the next two races which were sailed in fabulous Blaze weather, bright sunshine, 15 – 20 knots of breeze and great waves for down wind surfing. Mike Lyons won races 2 and 3 with Coleman 2nd and Bob Cowan 3rd. To round off a great days sailing the whole fleet enjoyed a two mile plane home to the club.

Following a bbq on the club lawn overlooking the River Hamble, the resident club band, ‘Too Drunk to Dance’ played to a packed club house and busy dance floor!

Following a drift out to the race area on Sunday morning, a light north westerly breeze allowed race 4 to start after a short delay. Lyons, using an Elvstrom sail lead once again from start to finish. After one lap the race was shortened with Coleman and Simon Beddows a dead heat for second.

Lyon’s went on to win races 5 and 6 and as Coleman back fell into the pack while Jonathon Saunders, Paul Taylor and Warsash Commodore, Peter Knight, steadily improved.

At the prize giving a case of Loddon Brewery’s Ferryman’s Gold Ale was presented to the Race Committee and Rib Drivers for staging an excellent event and each competitor went home with at least one bottle, to help with rest and recuperation!

Overall Results:

1st Mike Lyons, 750 (Burghfield SC) 6pts
2nd Chris Coleman, 669 (Warsash SC) 14.5pts
3rd Simon Beddows, 570 (Burghfield SC) 14.5pts
4th Bob Cowan, 743 (Warsash SC) 17pts
5th Jonathan Saunders, 611 (Dovey YC) 24pts
6th Paul Taylor, 654 (Burghfield SC) 31pt