Albacore Training and Open at Maidenhead Sailing Club

20 Albacores for the Maidenhead open © Craig Hendry

The 2009 Maidenhead Sailing Club Albacore Open got under way on Saturday 4th April with a training day being run by John Woffinden & Phil Tindall for both locals and visitors, although when Charles Devenport turned up he was enlisted to provide additional coaching from his Albacore. The day started with clear skies and light winds but soon filled in to provide ideal conditions for all. The sessi ons were videoed with feedback and guidance being provided both on and off the water. An enjoyable day for all with a great deal of banter in the bar afterwards which continued until late in the evening.

Sunday was the day for the Open and was greeted by bright sunshine, little wind and possibly some slightly sore heads from the night before. The wind came in, much to everybody’s relief, but was not as predicted and made the setting of a course a bit of a challenge for the Race Officer. A cle ar start with Charles Devenport & Mark Fowler, Neville Herbert & Steve Penfold and the local team of Phil Tindall & Roy Box battling it out for the lead, but followed by a pursuing pack. The middle of the fleet had some very good, close racing with few boats able to escape its clutches and making for some very enjoyable competition. Race 1 finally won by Neville & Steve, with Phil & Roy in 2nd and Charles & Mark 3rd.

After a lunch in the spring sunshine, the afternoon saw 2 races being run ba ck-to-back. The course had been changed reflecting the lighter winds and causing the Race Officer difficulty in getting the race started with 2 general recalls before dusting off the black flag. Everybody trying to get a good clear start in the light conditions. On the 3rd attempt we got away with John & Janet Woffinden pulling away to establish a good early lead, only then to be swallowed up by the pursuing pack in the downwind leg. Will Gulliver & Wendy Pickstock ended up as winners, followed by Neville & Steve in 2nd and then Trevor & Ann Smith.

The final race had to be slightly truncated as a result of the delay in getting race 2 under way. The wind was again very light, with similar difficulties in getting the race started, and again necessitating the use of the ‘black flag’. The light conditions challenged all, but race 3 was again won by Neville & Steve, then Andrew Elliott & Charlie Bugge with Derrick Williams & Julie Maidment in 3rd place.

A very enjoyable day for all 20 crews, reflecting the success of last years event and the growing number of active sailors in the class. We look forward to a successful series of Albacore events during the summer and the Maidenhead event in 2010, where hopefully we might be able to grow the fleet further after the success of the past 2 years and may be a little more wind (please!).

Overall Results:

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