ISO Gala - Draycote Water SC (22nd & 23rd March 2003)
Good weather (if a little light) greeted the eight boat ISO fleet at Draycote on the Saturday morning. Three races back-to-back were planned consisting of a simple windward/leeward course. Pete Lindley sailing with crew Mandy Hindle (vast improvement to Jonny) showed usual form by taking the first race, with Ross Ashton and Chris Burch close behind and Iain and Katie Keam-George coming third. 1162 (Sam and James) saw a brief capsize before the first race, and as always the crew got the blame! Race two saw Ian and Katie beat Pete and Mandy in Team RWO, to the line with Ross and Chris finishing third. Race three saw no surprises with the same three teams crossing the line in the same order.
Saturday night for the fleet saw Chinese and beer, which is always a good mix, although many retired early back to the pub and to bed.
Sunday dawned with a nice force three and some sun, which promised a good days racing. The format was the same with three races back-to-back and a windward/leeward course. The three same teams filled the top three places, with Iain and Katie taking a third and two bullets, Pete and Mandy scoring second, third, second, and Ross and Chris with a one, two, three.
As for the rest of the fleet, we seemed to be able to touch the top three, but close racing still ensued, with Sam and James (1162) beating Bob and Mark (814) by a matter of inches on Sunday morning. Two boats were unable to sail on Sunday (1008 and 808) and so were unable to improve their standings from Saturday.
Only one boat not mentioned, Julian Chilvers and Paddy Allaway who sailed an extremely consistent regatta (five sixths) to lie a comfortable (you've guessed it!) sixth.
A big thanks to Draycote water for hosting the event, all the competitors for making it such an enjoyable weekend, and the weather for giving some excellent sailing conditions.
Hopefully see you all at King George.
Full Results Here....
