Comet Open at Merthyr Tydfil Sailing Club

Comets at Merthyr Tydfil © Mark Govier

Often, the Comet Class seem to choose a date when the winds are light at our club. Honestly, it isn't always like this.

A light westerly wind was forecast, often tricky on a reservoir that runs north south. Seven visitors joined five local Comets at Pontsticill reservoir in the Brecon Beacons National Park. A committee boat was employed, and a line set for a beat towards the small valley opposite, held the race briefing, and launched.

Race 1

With the committee boat in such proximity, the fleet were very well behaved in the light breeze at the start. But within seconds the fleet had split roughly in two; with the first five boats rounding the windward mark well ahead of the stragglers. The wind remained light but constant for the first two laps which were led by Ben Palmer (597, Baltic Wharf SC) from Eddie Pope (377, Ogston SC) and Henry Jaggers (800, Beer SC). But on the third lap, things got a little mixed up, a few lulls and gusts saw Eddie reach the front, followed over the line by Bob Dodds (869, Crawley Mariners YC) and Ben crossing third.

We then returned to shore for a lunch break.

During lunch the wind died almost completely but did fill in a little later. The start line was adjusted, and the course shortened by removing a mark close to the windward bank.

Race 2

Again, the fleet got away with no incidents. This time Bob Dodds completed the first lap just ahead of Eddie and Ben. They were followed by Scott Waterland (412, Tewkesbury) and Chris Robinson (867, Burghfield). The wind was seeming to die, and the race officer shortened the course about halfway round the second lap; on the final reach Eddie managed to squeeze to the front, followed over the line by Ben then Bob.

Race 3

As the warning signals started for the final race, the wind was starting to fill in. OK, not from a perfect direction for the course as set, but there seemed to be wind. It almost died during the start sequence, but we started. This time Bob got around the first part of the lap ahead, but Eddie got to the front and stayed there, it was closer fought than the result sheet might hint. But Eddie got his third bullet of the day, followed very closely by Bob, Henry and Chris.

Congratulations to Eddie for a hard fought and well defended victory.

Thanks go out to the organisers, caterers and safety boat crew and all who helped at the club on the day and before, even trolley dollies are appreciated on a congested slipway.

Overall Results: