Cup 1 Weymouth Formula Report

Once again, Weymouth hosted the opening event of UKWA cup series and delivered a range of conditions to challenge the fleet. An ever changing forecast meant we never really knew what to expect or what kit to rig. Saturday provided the strongest winds and the most races with 4 being completed before the day was out. The wind blew in the mid to high 20 knots and, as witnessed in previous seasons, this favoured Dave "the dolphin" Coles and he took the 1st 3 races with Keith Atkinson taking last. All 4 races were closely contested with the lead chopping and changing frequently between Dave, Chris Bond and Tim Gibson with Keith only making it out to the final race due to a foot injury.

Day 2 was hot, sunny with a 10-14 knot wind blowing - perfect!! The entire fleet took to the water in full control providing excellent racing. Those sailors with 12m sails in their quivers held the advantage over the rest of the fleet which was frustrating for Tim who's 12 had lost its pulley system. Sadly, only 2 races took place as the wind died prematurely in the afternoon. Keith took both races ahead of Jason Clarke in the 1st and Bond in the second. Racing was close amongst the entire fleet with many individual battles being fought and places forever changing.

Sunday saw a sea mist stopping any ideas of racing so the overall results were as follows:

1. Dave Coles (Gaastra, Severne)
2. Chris Bond (Gaastra, Point 7)
3. Tim Gibson (Gaastra, North)  

1st National 11 - Bob Ingram (Starboard, North)

1st Youth - James Battye (Starboard, Point 7)

Just need to add that Nick Icke was due to write the report but asked me via text to take his place. He had some words to add so I quote: 

"remember on the Sunday race one which was abandoned I was kicking Dave and tims arse and on the second race I was ahead of Jason Dave and tim behind you and Keith until we gybed too early for the leeward and Dave and tim saw this and sneaked past, plus in race three I was all over Dave and tim passing tim three times and over half a lap ahead of Jason until the very last up wind when tim and Dave ganged up on me and Jason sneaked past at the very end with his winning face because I had not planned on the wind being so light at the finish, I just thought I had better mention all if this just in case you missed any if these points and might of been stuck for something to say in the report :-( "

By Chris Bond (sponsored by Point 7, Robin Hood Watersports and Z-Fins)