ISO Inlands / Gala - Datchet Water SC (13th & 14th October 2001)
Datchet water hosted the ISO Inland Championships tied in with the final round of the Bank of Scotland Multi-Gala series on the 13th and 14th of October.
Saturday morning began with no wind and light haze which resulted in a postponement of the first race for an hour or so. The fleet seemed eager to go afloat even whilst the postponement was posted, and did so. The race officer took this as a very large hint, and brought the postponement down shortly after.
Race one began in a very light, and shifty breeze, where keeping eyes out of the boat was the key. First to the top mark were class newcomers, Anthony and Mike Smith (South Cerney SC) after an impressive first beat. Eventually, they were overhauled by Rooster Sailing, Steve Cockerill and Dean Lillywhite (Emsworth Slipper) and Team RWO, Pete Lindley and Jonny Backhouse (Glossop and District). Southern area rep Paul Wilson, and class chairman Wyndham Lewis pulled off and impressive fourth, passing three boats in the final few yards. The second and last race of the day, due to the light fluky conditions was won by Rooster Sailing, closely chased by Team RWO, with Enigma Vehicle Systems sailed by Ian and Katie Keam-George (Essex YC).
Sunday morning was not the forecast 15 knots as expected. Instead the sailors were greated by a flat calm Datchet Water, with low lying mist. Luckily the wind gradually filled in enough to get on the water as scheduled.
Race Three finished in much the same fashion as the second on the previous day, with Rooster first, RWO second, and Enigma Vehicle Systems third. Penny Garton and Paul Flight from Calshot SC finished in an impressive fourth place showing their potential. RWO needed to win race four with a boat in between them and Rooster, in order to stay in contention for the event. After establishing a comfortable lead, RWO blanketed Rooster on the final beat, as Rooster was pinning Steve Bell and Declan O'Keeffe (King George SC) to the left of the finish line. Unfortunately, Steve and Declan were just piped on the line by Rooster, behind RWO.
Race five saw more new faces high up at the first weather mark including Angus Scott and Andy Wilson (DWSC) in 612. The main gains in the race were made downwind, with a lot of place swapping going on. Finally, the race order was Rooster, RWO and Enigma VS, confirming Roosters event win.
The sixth and final race started in an increasing force three, gusting four. Rooster polished off the event with another win, followed by Enigma VS ahead of RWO.
