Noble Marine Comet Trio Inland Championship at Llangorse Sailing Club

Noble Marine Comet Trio Inland Championship at Llangorse © Robert Dangerfield

Noble Marine Comet Trio Inland Championship at Llangorse © Robert Dangerfield

The fleet of Comet Trios arrived looking forward to two days of great racing. We were greeted with a very warm welcome, bacon sandwiches, sunshine, 25 knots of breeze and snow-capped mounts around Llangorse Lake.

The first day of racing: windy and very gusty conditions awaited the fleet.

In the MK1 fleet, David Morgan/Lorina Walden led the charge with three fantastic race wins with Sam/Chris Mayne doing their best to try and prevent an overall victory by grabbing three second places. They were hotly pursued by Godfrey/Jan Ayers and David/Jack who all sailed with all their might. Chris Padro sailing with grandson Dominic Padro as crew for the first time sailed really well until a capsize, literally just before crossing the finish line in the first race.

Meanwhile in the MK2 fleet the question in the air was: could Adrian/Tracie Padro claim their 6th Inland Champion title? Hot on their tails or sails.... were Bob/Collette Horlock sailing their new Trio with another brand new Trio owned by Adrian's brother Darren Padro and his son Callum. Andrew/Caroline Ausland, Rex/Sue Frost, Steve Ashford/ Martin Yeomans, Guy Farrant/Nick Lister and new comers Simon/Claire O'Sullivan (having recently purchased Darren's previous Trio) were also keen to win.

Darren/Callum who sailed superbly in their brand new Comet Trio (504) took the first two race wins only to be challenged by Andrew/Caroline who took the bullet on the third and final race of the day.

The battle for third and fourth places was between Adrian/Tracie and Bob/Collette, with Adrian/Tracie managing to take two third places despite a capsize in race 2.

The mid fleet battle was hotly contested with plenty of overtaking opportunities, with new comers Simon/ Claire quickly getting up to speed with a best result of fourth in the second race.

Day 1 finished with Darren/Callum in the MK2 fleet, and David/Lorina in the MK1 fleet in the driving seats.

Day 2 arrived with conditions which were very different to day 1 - zero mph winds on arrival at the club. Racing was postponed but our patience was rewarded with an 8 mph breeze which increased throughout the two races.

Now the MK1 fleet continued with their own battle: With three race wins for David/Lorina on day 1 they went into the race knowing another first would secure them the MK1 Championship. This proved to be the case as they went on to win both races thus winning the MK1 trophy.

Equally consistent were father/son duo Sam/Chris Mayne who had a clean sweep with a total of five second places. Third place went to Godfrey/Jan Ayers who were equally delighted to be on the winner's podium. Superb sailing from David/Jack in fourth place, especially as Jack is twelve years old and sailing for the first time in a Comet.

In the MK2 class a similar story for Darren/Callum who also needed at least one win to gain the trophy. If Andrew/Caroline secured two wins then they would win the championship. It was all to play for.....or even sail for!

Noble Marine Comet Trio Inland Championship at Llangorse - photo © Robert Dangerfield

But Bob/Collette had not read the script as they scooted off leading up until the final mark with Andrew/Caroline hot on their "stern"... But then Andrew/Caroline put a quick tack on to port immediately after the mark, followed by Bob/Collette doing the same to cover them. It was then an exhilarating finish for both boats to the finish line. With the wind increasing it was a battle for the hiking crews to keep their boats flat. It was certainly the race of the weekend.

As they passed the finish line there was the sound of two guns that went off half a second apart.

The question on everyone lips was "Who had won that race?".....

After a tense wait, whilst the race officer checked the photo finish, the news was in.... Andrews/Caroline had won the first race. Bob/Collette were second by a hair's breath, Darren/Callum were third, with a close fourth were Guy Farrant/Nick Lister.

It was now down to the last race as to who would win the MK2 trophy. Luckily now the breeze had increased, at the start line everyone was keen for a good start.

Alas it was not to be for Adrian/Tracie who were a tad too keen and were OCS, and had to make their way back to the start line.

Simon/Claire had a blistering first beat to lead around the first mark, hotly followed by Darren/Callum, Andrew/Caroline and Bob/Collette.

Darren/Callum overtook Simon/Claire on the following reach taking first place and the championship with Andrew/Caroline not making it an easy win who were a close second. Followed by Simon/Claire delighted to finish third in this last race; a great result as this was their first open meeting together. As new comers to the fleet they performed brilliantly.

Prize-giving took place with the Comet Chairman Adrian Padro with Bob Horlock presenting the trophies to the MK1 winners David/Lorina and MK2 winners Darren/Callum.

A very well done to the winners and everyone who sailed over the weekend. Plus many thanks to the race officers and the galley team.

In summary:

• A great weekend of sailing which included our AGM for 2019
• A new role for Darren Padro as the fleet Events Director!
• Four capsizes (at least that was what we saw. Adrian/Tracie taking the crown for most dramatic capsize!)
• Drama on the start lines
• Extremely close and fast racing
• For some, many bruises, aching limbs and blisters
• Broken/repaired boat parts
• The Comet community helping and supporting each other with advice and bits n bobs
• And what happened to Bob's Bobble???

Comets on Tour 2019 - Your next stop is Brixham for the National Championship 2nd-4th Aug 19.

For you existing Comet Trio sailors come and join us on tour at Brixham.

For any non-Comet Trio sailors out there, why not come and join us? We are family friendly and competitive fleet who welcome new members. The Comet Trio fleet may be the class for you!

See you all at the Nationals....

Noble Marine Comet Trio Inland Championship at Llangorse - photo © Robert Dangerfield

MK1 Fleet Results:

MK2 Fleet Results:

Noble Marine Comet Trio Inland Championship at Llangorse - photo © Robert Dangerfield