ISO Gala - Weston SC (30th September & 1st October 2000)
The weekend of 30th September / 1st October, saw more tight racing for the ISO fleet, this time at Weston Sailing Club who despite 'raising the roof' on their clubhouse gave another one of their friendly and efficient displays. Excellent onshore surroundings and a good piece of water make it a place well worth visiting.
The weather played its part. A variety of conditions on the busy if noisy Southampton Water saw winds of force 2 to 4 with some interesting 'holes' and shifts. Isn't it strange how the on form teams are generally in the right place! Sunshine for a good deal of the time made it feel more like late spring and a good time was had by all.
Mike Speller and Rob Burridge showed once again that they are the team to beat with four bullets and a fourth to count. Andy Gould and the ever-young Vicky Lewis consolidated their improving form with five second places. ISO co-designer John Caig, ably assisted by crew Andy Watson used all his wiles and local knowledge to grab a couple of well-deserved firsts to finish third overall. Xtremity sailed by David Cockerill & Guy Ellis just held on to 4th place overall from Team RWO which, for a change was helmed by Pete Lindley, and crewed by ISO World Champion Richard Chadburn. New comers to the fleet this year, Neil Harrison and Paul Roberts, had a good event and finished 6th overall.
Special mention must be made of the race management. Short legs with lots of rounds gave us exiting, close racing and the quick turn arounds were much appreciated.