DX 15 Catamarans at the Bala Catamaran Club Enduro Event

The DX 15 fleet at the Bala Enduro Event © Steve Sawford

Three DX 15 Catamarans braved the Bala Enduro 2012 on 28th-29th July. This SCHRS handicap event attracted crews from as far afield as Thorpe Bay and Southampton with boats up to and including the super-fast Nacra F20 Carbon.

Whilst Grant Piggott and Kyle Stoneham won the long distance race on Saturday in a Nacra Infusion in very testing conditions, the DX 15's disposed of themselves respectably by finishing 8th (S. Sawford, Rutland), 10th (R. Gall, Carsington) and 12th (R.England). The last of these results included time out after a violent pitchpole on lap 2 of the near 6 mile circuits. 28 boats started overall but only 13 survived the 3 hours-plus challenge in the strong SW wind.

Sunday was split into an F18 TT event and a handicap fleet which comprised a Red section and a Blue one on this occasion. No Unicorns, Dart 18's or Dart 16's came out to fight the DX 15's so a 1, 2, 3 result was inevitable for them in the Blue Fleet. There were four races, the first of which was stolen by Robert England. Steve Sawford fought hard in the remaining races and it was neck and neck between England and Sawford for much of the time with Ray Gall close behind, regaining fitness after a recent break from sailing due to a knee injury. Finally, Sawford prevailed with three firsts and one second whilst England battled to obtain a first and three seconds. Gall was always a contender but remained unlucky on this occasion with four thirds.

The uprated DX rig on the Dart 15 cats performed extremely well in the varied conditions at this superb venue. Four DX 15's are expected to attend Instow Open Week this month and five are looking forward to the Round Sheppey Race on 1st September.