Streaker North Sails Southern Paddle series at Waveney & Oulton Broad Yacht Club

Ten boats competed in the Streaker open meeting at Waveney & Oulton Broad YC in Suffolk on Saturday 11th June in bright sunshine and a gusty south-westerly breeze.

Dave Adams from Broadstairs made a super start to the first race, crossing the fleet on port tack and leading at the first mark. Local sailor Veronica Falat followed him round and these two pulled ahead while the rest of the fleet had a close battle. Pete Matthews was in third for much of the race, but by the finish Mark Langston was ahead of him and closing in on Veronica, while Dave took the win.

Veronica was the early leader in race 2 but Mark was never far behind and managed to overtake on the upwind legs. The lead switched between them several times but Mark led up the final beat and managed to keep a close cover on Veronica and win the race. Chris Foster finished third just a few boat lengths behind, while Dave was back in sixth place.

After lunch, with conditions still blustery, the final race saw Veronica leading at the first mark and for much of the race but Dave was on a charge and on the final lap they were changing places. At the final leeward mark Veronica was just ahead but was unable to hold Dave back on the beat and Dave took the race win. Chris was third again.

This meant that Dave was first overall and Mark second, while Veronica with three second places was third.

Streaker North Sails Southern Paddle series at Waveney & Oulton Broad - photo © Karen Langston

It was a tough day's racing that was quite frantic at times with tacking duels, tight mark roundings and boats charging along downwind in the gusts. All in all, a lot of fun!

The event is part of the North Sails Southern Paddle series. The next one in the series will be at Staunton Harold on July 16th.

Overall Results:

Streaker North Sails Southern Paddle series at Waveney & Oulton Broad - photo © Karen Langston