ISO Nationals - Hayling Island SC (27th - 29th May 2006)
There were 29 entries for the Cousin Trestec sponsored ISO nationals. It was held at Hayling Island Yacht Club in conjunction with the Buzz and Boss nationals. The event took place over the bank holiday with three races scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday with two on Monday. Those boats that arrived on Friday could have had a preview of what lay ahead- the view from Sandy Point was not encouraging with white horses breaking in the harbour and the infamous bar looking like a washing machine.
Saturday all boats took to the water, as the forecast was a modest force four Westerly, and headed out over the "bar" into the bay. Once in the bay competitors were met by a squally four to five with very big waves, not everyones cup of tea. After a postponement the race officer decided to send everyone home in view of the deteriorating conditions and the number of boats capsized. Now the fun really started, it was a bit hairy getting back in the increasing wind to say the least.
Sunday was greeted with a fine breezy day and much activity in the dinghy park as crews carried out many repairs. The weather played ball and racing got under way.
Race one saw Jonny Wells and Katie Keam-George sailing Neil Pryde I take an early lead after heading right on the first beat. Andrew and Vicky Gould in "Flying Prune" and Pete Lindley and Annie Smith in "Team RWO" were hot on their heels. On the last run, last years champions, Lloyd Walker and Graham Sexton in Neil Pryde II crossed the fleet but failed to hold on until the finish. Team RWO snatched victory, closely followed by "Flying Prune" and Walker with Bob Ladell & Luke Draper in "Cousin Trestec" just pipping Neil Pryde I for fourth.
Race two got underway to see an old familiar face at the front. Ian Keam-George in 1200 with son Simon showed he had lost none of his old skill whilst being out of the class rafting! Eventually taking the honours from Gould and Walker.
Race three and twice champion Pete Lindley showed his intentions narrowly beating Walker/Sexton into second and Wells/Keam-George keeping it up for the KG family in third.
The race officer opted for a fourth race to make up for Saturday which was eventually started in a shifty breeze. The silver fox in 1200 showed there was still life in the old dog and notched up another 1st for the KGs followed by a very consistent Gould in 1037.
With four ex-champs holding the first four places there was all to play for on Monday. Unfortunately the weather wasn't having it. The 1st race did get off and things were looking pretty interesting when Neil Pryde II capsized on the first tack. Team RWO were informed they were OCS, whilst the KGs battled for 1st with the Goulds - but fate had another twist and the race was abandoned. The weather did not improve and racing was abandoned for the day, leaving Pete Lindley grinning from ear to ear winning his third ISO nationals. Andy and Vicky Gould came second overall, with Ian and Simon Keam-George in third.
The RWO sponsored Pro-Am prizes were won by Steve Bell & Declan O'Keeffe with partners Rob Howlett & Barry Newport.
Thanks went to all concerned at HISC and we look forward to our next event at Herne Bay SC on the 23rd/24th June.
Overall Results Here....
Pro-Am Results Here....
