Vane 36R Topham Cup at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club
by Tony Wilson 1 Apr 2019 20:21 BST
30 March 2019
Vane 36R Topham Cup at Fleetwood © Tony Wilson
For the first 36R Vane event of the year we had five entries. A couple of the regulars and one out of hibernation that sailed mainly vane boats many moons ago. Wizzy tells me the last time he was out on the water was about 30 years ago and at the time he seemed to be the only one owning a 36R, so now we must have actually grown in numbers.
Derek was with us to team up with Robert and Eric was keen to assist Tony and help the blind lead the blind. Bob was here to mate for Peter and Darren was down to help our John.
Light winds from the bottom of the lake called for big rigs. Some of the usual fumbling around to get the boats out and dusted and then score cards were prepared with the boats and skipper names filled in.
Five of us went to the water edge so Rob was the first on a bye as the other four had just returned from a test run. Mr Wiseman won both his legs against Peter and John scored five points from Tony as his boat didn't go the same as it did in the test run.
At the beginning of the morning the wind was adequate, but coming up to the lunch break the wind started to dither a little down on the start, but once you were out from the clubhouse it started to work.
Team Rob then started the accumulation of wins against all the other boats as Derek tuned the boat to perfection.
After the lunch break and some more of the long awaited repairs from the previous year, the wind seemed to be back to being just enough as in the beginning.
An early finish left a bit of time for practise as there wouldn't have been enough time for a second round. Rob and Derek had mopped up all the available points on the day and secured the win.
Although there were still a lot of buoys out on the water, they didn't really hinder these short keeled boats to be of any problem. Collisions for resails were also at a minimum and the day ran pretty smoothly. These smaller boats are the ideal start platform for anyone contemplating a dabble in the world of Vane sailing. Ideally suited and not too fast that you have to wear running shoes to sprint after them unlike the bigger high flying machines. Come along and see or even pick up a pole and join in, helpers are always made welcome.
Next event in the 36R Vane class is the weekend after Easter on Saturday 27th April.
Results:
1 R. Wheeler 20pts
2 K. Wiseman 12 pts
Joint 3rd Peter W. and John P. on 8 pts