Swordfish Open at West Riding Sailing Club

The 26th-28th May saw 11 Swordfish race for the West Riding Rose Bowl at their Spring Bank Regatta. Saturday brought welcome sunshine but light and fluky winds. The light zephyrs picking up individual boats while former front runners were left wallowing. The zephyrs finally disappeared and race two was postponed. That evening the fleet enjoyed the club's hospitality.

Sunday brought a very gusty force 3/4 which provided some challenging sailing. The fleet worked hard throughout the day with very close racing. Seven different boats led at some time during those three races. Then the postponed race two was sailed. Thankfully, conditions eased slightly for the fourth race of the day. That evening a tired fleet again enjoyed the club's hospitality.

On Monday the winds steadily increased to the top of force four. The closeness of the racing meant the minor places were not settled until the final part of the final race, but after 35 years of trying Alan Padgett crewed by son James proved worthy winners of the Rose Bowl with four wins and a second counting. All agreed that this regatta had provided the closest and most exciting sailing the fleet had enjoyed for a long time.

Overall Results: