Report by: Paul Earnshaw

This years Supernova Winter Championships held on 22nd January were once again generously sponsored by Oxford Carriers with the venue being Draycote Water for the 2nd year running.

Saturday was a very fresh morning with dustings of snow to be seen locally. The slipways were exactly as described, "slippy" and it was with great amusement that we watched Mike Gibson running down the ramp at a sprint in order to keep his feet from sliding away. Unfortunately for the rest of us Mike was to keep this pace up for the whole of the day.

With the gentle force 2-3 wind blowing from the north, Race Officer Richard Le Mare set a trapezoid course for the 14 competitors.

The first race saw Mike Gibson take an early lead closely followed by Paul Earnshaw and Barry Winter. Paul sailed past Mike on the 2nd beat and held first position until the final beat when Mike squeezed through at the windward mark and held onto first to the finish. Barry unfortunately a sailed into a big hole on the last beat allowing Phil East to pass and take 3rd place. Just behind the leaders, Mark Mason, Mark Ellard, Laurie Walker and Ian Casewell were having a close race for the minor placings. Mark Ellard finally breaking clear to secure 5th place.

The 2nd race saw a shift in the wind just prior to the start making the port end favourable. Everyone heading for the port side of the short start line ended with an inevitable general Re-call. The line was promptly moved and from the re-start it was once again Mike Gibson who emerged first at the windward mark followed closely by Phil East and Paul Earnshaw 3rd. These places didn't change and left Mike with two wins to take the title and put his name back on the trophy.

The third race followed lunch and unfortunately the wind had reduced to a flukey force 2. Mike continued his form by taking a third 1st place. The race for 2nd place overall was tightly contested between Paul and Phil with Paul taking an early lead. Phil gradually hauled in Paul's lead and caught Paul on starboard, which resulted in Paul sailing into a dead area allowing Phil to take a comfortable lead. Barry Winter continued to show good form and held 2nd place until the final lap before being overtaken by Phil. Mark Mason had hist worst result of the day but two earlier 5th places was enough for 5th place overall.Mark Ellard's two 6th places secured overall 6th place.

A very enjoyable sail was topped off with all competitors receiving one of the new Supernova polo shirts. Thanks to Richard and Tim Le Mare and Draycote Water for organinsing an excellent event.

Gear Guide

Full results here.