Supernova Sailing Dinghy Race Report

Severn SC

Fourteen Supernovas entered a closely fought event at Severn Sailing Club on the 20th September. A force 2 – 3 winds in a southerly direction offered a tough beat and close racing. The entrants were split into two flights due to the natural restrictions of the river.

Race 1 - Flight 1, Alan Utteridge and Paul Hinde got off to a good start but Dave Everett and Neil Boneham were in close pursuit. Everett and Boneham passed Utteridge and Hinde who remained in that order. Flight 2, Mike Gibson infringed Andy Flitcroft on the line, allowing Steve Hawley to get a clear start. Flitcroft took the lead at the bottom mark when S.Hawley infringed Flitcroft, Chris Hawley also sailed through. Flitcroft took control of the race leaving Gibson, C.Hawley and S.Hawley to battle for second. The leading boats in the second flight caught the first flight allowing Flitcroft to take the race win followed by Gibson and C.Hawley.

Race 2 - With the flights now reversed Gibson and the two Hawleys took an early lead, which remained unchallenged for the rest of the race. A hen party on a passing cruiser seemed very interested in the developing battle and when calls of “show us your pants” were heard, Gibson was forced to oblige. S.Hawley eventual crossed the line for flight honours followed by Gibson with C.Hawley seconds behind. The Second Flight saw Utteridge take advance of his local knowledge, Boneham pushed hard to take the flight win and a close battle for second saw Everett cross the line 5 seconds ahead of Utteridge. The first flight took charge with the first 3 race places going to the first flight.

Race 3 - The fleet was now juggled around to create an in contention flight. With potentially four boats capable of winning the event the last race was to be closely fought. Gibson had the best start, S.Hawley damaged his chances after being OCS and having to return to recross the line. Gibson lead until the finish despite the best efforts of C.Hawley who finished second. S.Hawley recovered to challenge Flitcroft but was unable to beat him to the line. The second flight saw Ian Casewell get the best start with Utteridge challenging. Utteridge eventually took the lead and started to make ground on the flight ahead. It looked like the second flight was set to capitalise until the wind eased stretching the first flights lead.

With only 60 seconds cumulative over the three races between first and fourth, good close racing was enjoyed. In the end overall first went to Gibson, Flitcroft second, and S.Hawley third. C.Hawley was fourth and won the Personal Handicap prize.