Splash Open at Christchurch Sailing Club
by Chris Arnell 23 Aug 2011 09:14 BST
20-21 August 2011
The Splash fleet travelled south to Christchurch Sailing club for the 1st time over the weekend of August 20th & 21st. With the Splash Worlds taking place in the Czech Republic, one regular sailor was absent but 6 boats were ready to race on the Saturday morning.
Race Officer Andrew Rushworth set the course about half a mile outside the harbour entrance and the fleet set off in a moderate breeze that became lighter as the day went on.
Class chairperson and “veteran” Splash sailor, Charli Hadden, made the best start in race 1 and took an early lead. Ignoring her pleas to shorten the race after just 11 minutes, the race team allowed her to sail away to a comfortable win.
In Race 2 Rachel Heggs made the break from the pack on the 1st beat and never looked in danger of losing her lead. Joanne Arnell took 2nd place, with Charli just back in 3rd.
At the end of day 1, Rachel was leading on 3 points, with Charli just a point behind and Joanne on 5 points – so all to play for on the Sunday.
Newcomers Stacey Herring & Clare De La Feuillade were in 4th & 5th but getting ever closer to the leading group.
Nina Jackson recovered from boat trouble in the 1st race to finish well in race 2, but a family commitment would prevent her from joining the fleet on Sunday.
On Sunday, race 3 started in light conditions and Charli again showed superior upwind speed to take the gun. Joanne & Rachel made up the top 3.
With Charli on 5 points, Rachel on 6 & Joanne on 7, the final race was going to be tense.
The top 3 boats were separated by just a few lengths at the windward mark after the 1st beat but, significantly, Charli was just ahead. Rachel and Joanne were locked in a battle for 2nd place but as the wind increased, Joanne found some extra upwind pace to pass Rachel. Charli was enjoying the conditions and managed to hold her lead to the finish – giving her a 3rd race win and the overall regatta. Stacey capsized on the final reach, allowing Clare through to 4th place.
The sail home in a sparkling 15 knot breeze was a fitting end to a fantastic weekend enjoyed by all the sailors.
At the prize-giving Charli thanked the race team for 4 excellent races and also Paul & Clare De La Feuillade for hosting the fleet on Saturday evening.
The Splash Class demo boat is currently based at Christchurch Sailing Club. Anyone interested in trying out this great single-hander please contact the Club or Splash Class for details.
Overall Results:
1. Charli Hadden (Swarkestone SC)
2. Rachel Heggs (Hollowell SC)
3. Joanne Arnell (Christchurch SC)
4. Stacey Herring (Christchurch SC)
5. Clare De La Feuillade (Christchurch SC)
6. Nina Jackson (Christchurch SC)