British Moth Open Meeting at Evesham Sailing Club
by David Eeles 21 Jul 2002 14:24 BST
20th July 2002
Visitors from several clubs joined the strong home fleet to sail for the Clarke Cup when Evesham Sailing Club hosted their round of the Sommerville Travellers Series.
The first race began promptly at 11am in generally light and fickle winds with the threat of rain in the air. Local sailor Ian Haywood took a commanding early lead from David Eales who was in turn closely followed by the remaining pack. Eales slowly hauled in Haywood but struggled to get
past while behind the fight for 3rd intensified. On the last lap Eales' persistence finally paid off with a lucky lift that would see him in clear air until the finish. Haywood finished a disappointed 2nd while it was John Pickford who eventually took 3rd by little more than a boat length from a determined effort by Graham Pope.
The break for lunch gave time for the wind to fill in and was with renewed enthusiasm and full bellies that the 2nd race got underway. Again it was Haywood that had the best start but this time Eales was faster to respond and took the lead from him in the second lap, a position he would maintain to the finish. Once more the closest racing was in the fight for 3rd, this time Pope taking the points from Evesham sailor Peter Green.
Thankfully the wind stayed for the most part and the last race of the day saw the closest racing yet with the entire fleet taking a turn at the front during the early laps. In the fading breeze it was Eales that emerged the victor whilst Pickford, having defended 2nd place from a persuasive Tina Hardyment for most of the race could only watch as Pope crept past them both to take the place on the last beat.
Fortunately the rain stayed away and after some very close racing the final positions were as follows.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Helm | Club |
|---|
| 1st | David Eales | Evesham S.C. |
| 2nd | Ian Haywood | Evesham S.C. |
| 3rd | Graham Pope | Severn S.C. |
| 1st Lady | Tina Hardyment | Medley S.C. |