Dart 16 Open Meeting at Mumbles Yacht Club
by Mark Pollard 17 Oct 2001 08:29 BST
The Dart 16 Traveller's trophy series event at Mumbles in Wales saw the first days racing cancelled due to lack of wind conditions. On the evening the sailors enjoyed live entertainment from a good band, supplemented by the yodelling of the Dart 18 duo the Fat Boys.
On the second day the wind howled in the morning as the sailors raced to the start line. Then the conditions rapidly decreased making the races delayed for 2 hours, allowing only one race. With conditions of Force 1-2 with some rare gusts of force 3 in places with a very calm sea state, Shaun and Mark Pollard took an early lead from the start, followed by John and AJ Terry, and also National champions Paul and Michelle Roberts.
When they reached the windward mark the strong mumbles tide was against the four Dart 16’s this meant the positions completely turned around with Paul and Michelle taking the lead. Eventually followed by John and AJ Terry in 2nd, Mike Ager and his crew in third just in front of early leaders Shaun and Mark Pollard.
After lap one Paul and Michelle took a big lead on the fleet, the Pollard brothers at the back picked off Mike Ager and his crew going up the start of the beat. On the same beat leg the Pollard brothers and Mike Ager and his crew went a different way to John and AJ. This meant that when the Pollard brothers reached the windward mark with Mike Ager just behind.
While this was happening Paul and Michelle Roberts crossed the finish line to take the win. Shaun and Mark held off the chasing two Dart 16’s behind to take second place in front of Mike Ager and his crew in third place.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Helm | Crew | Club |
|---|
| 1st | Paul Roberts | Michelle Roberts | Dee S.C. |
| 2nd | Shaun Pollard | Mark Pollard | Hastings and St. Leonards S.C. |
| 3rd | Mike Ager | crew | Thames Estuary Yacht Club |
| 4th | John Terry | AJ Terry | Rutland Water S.C. |
More Information: