Noble Marine Supernova Travellers at Bartley Sailing Club

41 boats from 11 different clubs attended the Bartley SC Noble Marine Supernova Open on Sunday June 20th making it a record turnout for the club.

The forecast had looked unpromising during the week but as the day arrived so did the most important ingredient; some wind. Although grey and overcast the wind was a steady ENE force 2 to 3 throughout enabling race officer Simon Hardiman to set courses the length of the reservoir for the sailors to stretch their legs.

Bartley Supernova Open - photo © James Speirs

There was a slight delay to race 1 as the large fleet took a while to launch from the 2 slipways and sail to the start line enabling the early birds to pick out the wind shifts up the beat ahead of the start. The fleet were cleanly away first time with a procession of boats hitting the windward mark at the same time followed by a short reach to a spacer mark where helms had to balance the need for mark room with the need to sail high so as not to get lost in the fleet's wind shadow. Even as the fleet reached the end of the downwind leg there were boats 5 deep around the leeward mark making boat placement key. The Cotswold crew showed that local knowledge counted for nothing with Gavin Young taking the win from Cliff Milliner, with Stephen Hawley 3rd (Bartley) and veteran Andy Bownes (Bartley) in 4th.

Bartley Supernova Open - photo © James Speirs

Race 2 had the 41 boats lined up on the start line with 30 seconds to spare only for the wind to increase and push the whole fleet over when the gun sounded. After a swift regrouping the second start was successful and the boats set off on the mile long beat once more. This time ex-national champion Sam Knight (Bartley) pushed to the front of the fleet with Cliff Milliner 2nd and Matt Biggs 3rd (Bartley).

The fleet came in for lunch at Tilly's Galley before launching for the final race. With the mantra 'if is ain't broke don't fix it' the race officer kept the course with 2 beats, 2 reaches and 2 runs the same for race 3. Having been at the front end of the fleet all day Stephen Hawley finally pushed through to take the win from Sam Knight and Cliff Milliner.

Bartley Supernova Open - photo © James Speirs

With the first 4 helms separated by just 2 points it was clear just how close the days racing had been. In the end Sam Knight won with Stephen Hawley taking 2nd from Cliff Milliner on the low points scoring system. 1st Veteran was Andy Bownes, 1st Lady was Ellen Clancy (Cotswold), and first youth and Mk1 boat was Tom Williams (Bartley).

It was fantastic to see such a large and competitive fleet, thanks to all who travelled to support the event and good luck to all at the Nationals!

Overall Results: