This was the first Supernova Open Meeting at Leigh & Lowton. This friendly and efficient club has lovely new facilities and is located on the spacious and open Pennington Flash, close to the M6 in Lancashire.

Race 1 was delayed while the wind came up, but got away after an early tasty lunch in a Force 1 to 2. The start was closely contested, with Chris Hawley squeezed into the Committee Boat but Mike Gibson got away to a clean start and lead the way round to the finish. He was followed by Andy Flitcroft, managing to hold off Chris - who swiftly recovered from his penalty- and then Ian Moodie.

The wind had freshened to Force 3 for the start of Race 2. Neil Boneham got away to a good start and showed the way to the first mark. Andy Flitcroft was snapping at his heals and took him on the next leg. Chris then charged through on the run before a distinctly wobbly gybe and roundup. By then the wind was up to Force 4. Chris managed to hold-off Mike to the end of the first lap. Places kept changing in the very close and exciting racing. Eventually, the beating prowess of Andy in the fresh wind took him past Mike Gibson to first place. Steve Hawley was third and Neil fourth.

Race 3 got away in a nice Force 3. Steve pulled-off a perfect port tack start to cross the fleet. Neil tracked him up the first beat, finally overtaking towards the end of the first lap. He then established a 10 length lead and it started to look comfortable. But Andy managed to haul him in by lap 3, taking race and meeting honours. Steve and Mike had a tight fight but Steve prevailed for third by two lengths.

Overall Results
1st. Andy Flitcroft - Bolton S.C.
2nd Mike Gibson - Bartley S.C.
3rd Neil Boneham - Bartley S.C.
4th Steve Hawley - Severn S.C.
5th Chris Hawley - Severn S.C.
6th Ian Moodie Bolton S.C.
7th Chris Bower - Cardiff S.C.
8th Helen Brittan - Bolton S.C.

Full Results