The Burghfield SC Blaze “6 pack” winter series concluded today in wintry conditions that took its toll on man and boat. Out of the five starters of the last race only Barlow (758) would finish due to the extreme conditions of sub zero air temperature and winds gusting to 25 knots, gifting him a first place and edging Taylor (654) into 4^th overall.

The twelve race series held over three race days before Christmas and three in January has six races to count to allow for all those festive activities that come in December as well as a reason to work off the excess food and drink. This season has seen a huge range of weather conditions including flat, calm fog, ice locked lake, and the usual gusty conditions of winter. So no change there!

The series was won, predictably, by Mike Lyons (750) who has been consistent in first place each race and gave a classic display of winter sailing in the windy conditions today. Simon Beddows (570) came in second; Beddows has been consistent in the lighter winds of the early part of the series but the stronger winds of the January races left him with lower order places or retirements. The battle for third place and the honour of writing the report was hotly contested by Paul Taylor (654) and Peter Barlow (758) who were both capable, depending on the outcome of the two last races. In the gusty twelfth race the chilling conditions prevailed and Taylor retired, allowing Barlow ahead by one single point.

The next Blaze event is the Burghfield Training/ Open meeting on April 18-19

 

Lyons 750            1

Beddows 570       2

Barlow 758           3

Taylor 654            4

Williams 684         5

Bell 604                6

 

Pete  Barlow