30th - 31st August 2008

This was the first visit to Rutland Water by the Supernova Association and despite the poor wind forecast 40 helms made the trip. The first of six scheduled races started in moderate winds, and it soon became apparent that choosing the favoured side for the beat would prove decisive. Mike Gibson, Richard Pakes, Tony Chritchley and Steve Hawley rounded the windward mark ahead of the fleet. This gave them the chance to break away from the congestion as the rest of the fleet tried to round, many places were lost as shouts of "starboard" rang out. With the fleet split the front-runners were able to consolidate their position with Pakes the eventual winner followed by Gibson. Critchley held on to 3rd place, but Chris Hawley was 4th after passing brother Steve on the last leg. There was confusion as some of the fleet crossed the finish line on the wrong side of the committee boat.

The wind began to build for race two but again the first windward leg proved decisive, as Gibson, Pakes and Critchley lead the fleet. The third lap saw a massive wind shift as the sea breeze began to take effect, resulting in big gains for those on the right side of the beat. By the next lap the wind had shifted back with more places lost and gained. Gibson won ahead of Pakes and eventual Masters Champion Ian Moodie came third. Jeff Tucker was 4th ahead of Critchley 5th who had recovered well from the third lap wind shift.

The last of Saturday's three back-to-back races began with the strongest wind of the day. Once again Critchley, S Hawley, Pakes and Gibson lead the fleet on the first beat. There now appeared to be two different wind systems on either side of the course, which again resulted in many place changes. Gibson won his second of the day, closely followed by S Hawley with Pakes 3rd and Critchley 4th. Geoff Birch had a good result coming 5th ahead of club mate Paul Undrell. Top lady helm Lesley Jeanes had another good race finishing 10th leaving her 8th overall at the end of day one.

Lack of wind resulted in the cancellation of the three races scheduled for Sunday, so Saturdays results stood. Gibson won the Inland Championship to add to his National Championship win earlier in the year. Pakes was runner up with Critchley 3rd. Ian Moodie won both the Silver and Masters fleet and Mark Mason was the top Veteran. Lesley Jeanes won the ladies trophy.

1st Mike Gibson Bartley SC
2nd Richard Pakes Haversham SC
3rd Tony Critchley Bolton SC
4th Steve Hawley Severn SC
5th Paul Undrell Haversham SC

Lots of pics from SailPics here.