Javelin Inland Championships at Rutland Sailing Club

There was a good turnout for the Javelin Inlands held at Rutland S.C. on the 7/8th of September despite the unsettled forecast. The first of two back to back races on Saturday were started in a shifty force 4/5 wind and bright sunshine. Mike Pickles powered into a good lead, which he extended on the first triangle. Despite a capsize on the next gybe he just kept ahead of a close bunch of boats including Houghton, Webster and Smith. Due to confusion of the definition of a lap most boats stopped after 3 rounds. Houghton was first to spot the mistake and continued, chased hard by Dixon, Pickles and Winterburn and they finished in that order.

The wind increased to 5/6 for the next race and Webster rounded the windward mark just ahead of the Earl’s and Smith. The reaches and gybe were spectacular with spinnakers a handful. Webster lost out to Earl on the next beat with a big shift. Now it was Dixon, Smith and Pickles in pursuit. The wind veered for the next triangle and Dixon and Smith flying spinnakers lost out on the first reach when hit by a massive gust. Earl extended his lead, but nearly capsized when his crew fell in the water due to a snapped trapeze fitting. A quick lashing restored order and he finished first ahead of Dixon, Smith and Pickles.

On the Saturday evening the Earl brothers celebrated, with all the Javelin sailors and friends, 30 years of Javelin racing with a meal in the club with drinks and a large cake.

Although the pin end was favourite for direction in race three, the group by the committee boat gained with a stronger wind and a shift. Earl was soon clear by going furthest right, but Pickles pulled up to the lay line and rounded ahead with Dixon third. The rest of the fleet was spread out due to the light shifty breeze. Pickles was passed on the next beat by Earl who gained a good lead with Dixon still third. With holes in the wind nothing was safe and Dixon passed Pickles on the last beat with a big shift near the shore. Earl won comfortably with Smith fourth.

The fourth race was won easily by Dixon after wriggling clear at the start and going right. Muller was a good second from Houghton and Earl. There was no time for the last race, so Dixon won the championship by one point from Earl, with Pickles and Houghton third and fourth.

Overall Results: