Leader Open Meeting at Buckenham Sailing Club

Local boats were joined by sailors from Deben Yacht Club and Welwyn Garden City for Buckenham SC Leader Open weekend, 11-12 August. Saturday highlight was the ‘Slownet’, a passage race down river. Visitor Mike Sherwen led into Langley Wood only to be caught by the locals. In a run for the line Sherwen just got ahead to win from Janet Gilmour and John Barton.

The return leg into an increasingly strong wind had Barton and Sherwen fighting for the lead in a tacking duel. Barton edged clear in Langley Wood and a tight finish had Sherwen crossing the line just ahead of Barton with Gilmour third.

Sunday started very wet and windy, getting wetter. In the first race Sherwen got away chased by Barton but he was unable to catch him. Roger Morse closing at the finish was third. In the fourth race, Janet Gilmour got away to a flying start while the rest struggled, but managed to close by the down river mark. Gilmour and Sherwen then disputed the lead for the next lap, Sherwen finally getting clear to win from Gilmour with Barton third. This clean sweep of wins for Mike Sherwen was also the first Open win for his 12 year old son Tom.

Overall Results:

More Information:

• YachtsandYachting.com Leader Page
• Hickling Broad Sailing Club