Whit Regatta at Bala Sailing Club

Exciting racing at the Whit Regatta © John Hunter

An overcast and breezy, but dry morning greeted 40 entrants for the Whit regatta at Bala along with 25 Open event Laser 2000 and Miracle fleet sailors.

As the fleets sailed downwind to the start line, trying out kites and gybes, the wind picked up to a brisk NE F4 but with erratic F6-7 gusts which were to cause havoc for a number of crews and the rescue craft during the first race. In the fast and slow handicap fleet, Ken Hull of Bala SC, sailing a Blaze, was the eventual winner, with Graham Clow ( Delph SC ) sailing a Phantom, close behind followed by Dan Partington ( Bala SC ) in a Contender. It was interesting to note that all were singlehanders. After lunch, another race in demanding conditions, saw the Merlin Rocket of Paul and Michelle Keeling win, followed by Dan Partington and Ken Hull.

A number of boats found it prudent not to venture out and the following day these numbers increased, although it has to be said that conditions had improved a little. A Flying Dutchman ( almost literally ) sailed by Jon Williams and Alex Rogers, along with Ken Hull in both the subsequent races were worthy winners of shortened races. This gave Ken Hull a compehensive Regatta victory, followed by Jon Williams and Alex Rogers narrowly beating Carl and Shellie Jones, in a Scorpion.

The Asymmetric Fleet showed some very fine sailing in difficult conditions, non more so than James and Matty Lyons ( Ullswater SC ), sailing a 49er, who won all four of their races. Ed Corteen ( Pennine SC ) in a Vortex, won second spot, just beating Andy Homer and Mandy Edwards ( Bala SC ). A fleet of four Cherubs tried hard to compete with these fine performances.

The Laser 2000 and Miracle fleets suffered a similar fate. See the Miracle report.

So the results were decided over two days, because gale force winds prevented any sailing on the bank holiday Monday and the competitors were home for tea.

Handicap Regatta Results:

Asymmetric Regatta Results:

Laser 2000 Open Results: