Seventeen competitors travelled to Bartley Sailing Club (West Midlands) on Sunday 22nd February to compete in the Supernova Winter Championships and the chance to win the Oxford Carriers Trophy in addition to prizes donated by Hartley Laminates and Bartley Sailing Club.

The gusting 5 plus conditions were challenging for everyone throughout the day and tested skills, reflexes and concentration to the limit. Of course it was great fun for those that judged it right and swimming practice for those that got it wrong.

The second start, to the first race got underway way just after 11.00 o'clock and saw close racing to the first windward mark. This was maintained on the other two windward legs, as well as the entire course, with the severe gusts threatening to overwhelm the unprepared at any point. Newcomer to the Supernova fleet Cliff Milliner prevailed over last years champion Richard Pakes with Barry Buzzard third.

The afternoon races saw no change to the difficult conditions, but new boy Cliff Milliner continued to show his skills and competitiveness as he again came in first in race two. Richard Pakes was second again and this time Barry Winter came in third, however, the conditions started to take there toll with a few DNFs. The third race started with most of the fleet up and running. Richard's persistence and mastery of the gusts saw him cross the line first with Mark Hartley second and Cliff Milliner third.

The overall positions after the three races were 1st Cliff Milliner, 2nd Richard Pakes and 3rd Barry Winter.

Thanks must go to all the Competitors, Sponsors, the Bartley race OD, a busy rescue crew and catering teams for a fantastic Supernova Winter Championships at Bartley Sailing Club (www.bartleysc.co.uk)

Tony Reusser
Barley Supernova Fleet Captain

Photos courtesy of Debbie Degge