ISO Gala - Queen Mary SC (7th & 8th April 2001)
The first ISO gala event, sponsored by the Bank of Scotland, was held at Queen Mary sailing club on April 7th/8th. Big thanks to Queen Mary S.C. who stepped in at the last minute to host the event, following the closure of Bristol Corinthian due to the foot and mouth crisis.
11 ISOs made it to the event, that also saw Buzz, Boss and Blaze fleets taking to the water for some good close racing over the weekend. The first race saw Pete Lindley and Ben Mcgrane (Team RWO, 1013) leading round the first mark closely followed by Mike and Dean Lillywhite (815), and Ian and Katie Keam-George (1188). Andrew Gould and Vicky Lewis (Team Flat Banana, 1196) chased after a bad start. RWO went on to win, followed by Keam-George with Flat Banana taking third place, just pipping Lillywhite on the line. The second and third races were led from start to finish by Flat Banana with Team RWO and Keam-George sharing second and third places.
The second day saw much the same conditions with racing being moved to the east side of the reservoir. The course was shortened, providing closer racing. The first race was again won by Flat Banana with Keam-George in second and Lillywhite taking third. Team RWO were suffering from a heavy night's training and came in seventh position. The second race saw Team RWO back to form, overtaking Flat Banana after a disastrous decision to gybe off let Team RWO through on the run. Keam-George came in third. The final race saw Paul Wilson and Wyndham Lewis (Purple Pants, 1155) lead round the first mark, much to their surprise, closely followed by Flat Banana, Team RWO and Keam-George. Lillywhite dropped way down the field after losing his crew overboard on the first leg! Flat Banana took the lead, going on to win, followed by Team RWO. Purple Pants held third position until the last lap, letting Lillywhite through to third over the line, closely followed by Keam-George.
The coveted PRO-AM prize was taken by the combined efforts of Mike, Dean Lillywhite (815) and Paul Wilson, Wyndham Lewis (Purple Pants 1155).
Next ISO event: ISO Nationals at Thorpe Bay S.C. 26th to 28th May.
