Feva Open Meeting Report
RS Feva Open Meeting - Papercourt Sailing Club - 28th March 2009
12 plucky Fevas arrived at Papercourt for an Open Meeting with the weather representing all 4 seasons, sun, rain and hail with wind strengths from 0 to force 7 and gusts that were constantly changing direction.
Race Officers Nigel and Andy Bird did a great job of setting challenging courses. The first race started in the gusty conditions that set the scene for the day. On the 3rd reach a great sight of the first 3 boats planing under spinnaker was rewarded with a gust that blew them all over!! Alex Curtis and Andy Clarke from Queen Mary retained their leading position to emerge as winners with locals Sarah and Jamie Smith in second place and another parent child combination Paul and Jack Fisk in third place.
The second race was nip and tuck between Curtis/Clarke and Will Lowes/Hugo Tucker. On the final lap Lowes/Tucker passed Curtis/Clarke on the beat but promptly dropped it in at the gybe mark. A quick recovery got them back in contention and they again passed Curtis/Clarke to win. Paul and Jack Fisk showed consistency coming in 3rd again.
After lunch a further 2 races were held. In race 3 Curtis/Clarke stamped on the fleet to lead at the first mark and were not challenged for the rest of the race. Behind them a great deal of place changing and capsizing was taking place. Paul and Jack held second position for the first 2 laps but Ruth and Tess Allan from Emsworth and Toby Hodge and Abbie Page from Chichester powered through downwind to take second and third leaving Paul and Jack in 4th. With 2 firsts and a second the maths meant that Curtis/Clarke couldn’t be beaten.
The final race was one of excitement, with a great hail storm sweeping through the fleet, leaving destruction in its path. Ruth and Tess led the first lap but were taken by Curtis/Clarke who held on to take their third bullet. Will and Hugo came in third. Adam and Lisa Kay from Warsash came in fourth followed by Toby/Abbie. Delanie Rutter and Islay Grant from Emsworth Slipper showed grit and determination to record sixth place.
The final results were:
1. Alex Curtis/Andy Clarke Queen Mary
2. Will Lowes/Hugo Tucker Whitstable/Emsworth
3. Ruth and Tess Allan from Emsworth
In a close contest Georgina Hands and Madge Poynter were awarded the prize for the most spectacular capsize. Delanie Rutter and Islay Grant were awarded the endeavour prize for demonstrating true grit and determination.
