Streaker Sail Register Northern Paddle Open at Rotherham Sailing Club

With a fine day with a force 3 west / north-west wind forecast, nine Streakers arrived at Rotherham Sailing Club's Harthill reservoir for the latest Sail Register Northern Paddle Circuit open meeting; little did they know there would be wind from every direction but easterly.

In the first race Graeme Bristow 1837 (Leigh & Lowton) sailing in his first Streaker Open, was followed up the first beat by Dave Smith 1888 (Welton) and James Wilson 1668 (Staunton Harold). By the third leg Steve Blackburn 1881 (West Lancs) was up to second. With the wind increasing on the second lap Graeme pulled away with Steve, James and Dave in close contact; by the last mark James & Graeme had a good battle with James taking the lead. On the third lap Steve was in front with Graeme & James chasing close behind. By the start of the next lap the first 7 boats had all closed up, Ian Lees 1826 (Scammonden) had a good lap gaining 2 places. Steve continued to lead until the sixth lap with Graeme in front but he was passed by James on the beat, who pulled away from Steve and Graeme. Finally James Wilson was first from Steve Blackburn and Graeme Bristow.

After an excellent hot lunch, the start of the second race was postponed as the course was re-set several times as the wind shifted as black clouds passed to the north of the water. At the start all the boats laid the windward mark. However the third leg turned into a good beat with followed by Alan Gillard 1951 (Sheffield Viking) sailing his new Butler. By the third lap James made up ground on Steve with the following pack close together. James passed Alan on the downwind leg of the fourth lap, and then passed Graeme on the windward leg as did Alan. On the sixth lap James was pulling away and Steve began to catch the leaders. On the final lap got through Alan on rounding a mark, and the original windward mark turned into a beat. James Wilson was first from Graeme Bristow and Alan Gillard.

After the previous start delays, the final race was sailed back-to-back, with the first leg remained a true beat. By the second lap Graeme was in front from James and Steve. The wind dropped as the rain came; by the fourth lap the wind dropped off leaving calm patches around 4th and 5th marks. By the fifth lap the wind dropped further but at least the sun came out. In the light wind Alan Gillard moved into second down the off-wind leg; it enabled Steve to make ground on the 3 leading boats. On the sixth and final lap Alan moved up into first place, but the last leg saw the leading boats change places, once more giving a very close finish to the race, with Graeme Bristow winning from Alan Gillard and Steve Blackburn.

With the conclusion of racing, James Wilson won with 2pts, Graeme Bristow 2nd, and Alan Gillard 3rd.

Overall Results: