Streaker Open Meeting at Ripon Sailing Club

(L to R) 3rd place Ian Lees, 1st Place Alan Gillard, 2nd Place Tom Gillard, in the Streaker open at Ripon © Ian Smith

A total of 23 helms assembled for Ripon Sailing Club's Streaker Open on 14 September to be greeted by a glassy, still lake and a forecast of, at its most optimistic, 6mph of wind. Ripon has what is believed to be the largest Streaker fleet in the country and the number of boats entered would have been higher if the forecast hadn't put off a number of locals and visitors from taking part.

It was evident from the outset that a postponement was going to be necessary. Several would-be entrants decided that they could use their time more effectively elsewhere – mowing the lawn or keeping some drying paint under observation were tasks that were mentioned – and they made an early departure. For the rest the morning was spent chatting, comparing rig set-ups on various boats and drinking coffee.

Lunchtime arrived and still no wind but then, when Race Officer Ian Smith was on the brink of cancelling for the day, ripples appeared on the water and a gentle breeze raised hopes. At last the wind direction stabilised enough for a start line to be set and a race could be got under way. With a shifting wind the line developed a port bias during the count down but the starboard end seemed to be in more wind, which created a dilemma about which end to choose.

Appearances were deceptive though and those who started towards the port end got lifted away and soon a group of three settled themselves clear of the rest of the fleet. Local knowledge proved to be of no value as all three were visitors, with a father and son battle for first place. Son and father, to be more accurate, as Tom Gillard (Sheffield Viking SC) led the fleet from early on in the race whilst his father Alan (Sheffield Viking SC) chased him (slowly) round a triangular course. Behind them Ian Lees (Scammonden SC) settled into third place and that was the finishing order.

For the second and final race of the day the wind lived up to expectations; it was no better than for the first one. With a wind direction that was predominantly easterly a similar course was the only option to avoid the wind shadows around the shore line, though this time a slightly longer beat was on offer.

Visitors again showed the locals how to sail on their lake, with the same three boats soon filling the top three places for almost all of the race. This time though Alan Gillard set up a good lead ahead of son Tom, with Ian Lees again following them round in third place and that was the finishing order.

Overall Results: