24 Supernovas battled in testing conditions at the Open Meeting at Cotswold Sailing Club on 12 May. Lowering skies, blustery winds and sheeting rain characterised the first race. Hartley was well ahead at the windward mark having tacked early to starboard but Pakes stole the lead for the second lap and held off Hartley to the finish. Hollier, S. Hawley, Gibson and Howett followed. The wind eased, the skies cleared and an excellent 3-course lunch further cheered the fleet.

The sense of well-being was then abruptly challenged as many sailors attempting to launch for the afternoon racing were caught off guard by rapidly strengthening wind and thunderous gusts. Another well-set course and Boneham was comfortably first at the windward mark, with Mountain, Gibson, Earnshaw, and Pakes in immediate pursuit. Jockeying throughout the fleet and force 5-6 gusts added to the excitement. Gibson stole the lead when Boneham, Mountain and others fell into irons, only to be displaced by Hollier who eventually won from Pakes, Mountain, Howett, Gibson and Boneham.

Hartley, five-times capsized in the second race to feign a spent force, blasted off in the third race run back-to-back leading a procession of Howett, Pakes, Gibson, S Hawley and Mountain. They finished in that order. Conditions remained challenging – just 17 boats survived. Casualties included Earnshaw, in blood-streaked craft, happily weary, bruised - like most others. Sailing at its best.

Overall Results:

Full Results