Pwhelli Formula Report

A sunny, windy and picturesque Pwhelli hosted the 4th edition of the UKWA Cup series. The good turnout were treated to some of the best racing conditions of the year and over the weekend 8 races were completed in flat water conditions with a wind that differed in strength and on occasions in direction too just to keep us on our toes.

 

Prior to the start the overall standings were very close with only 1 point separating Dave Coles and Chris Bond with the latter being on top. The forecast for day one was for a windy morning followed by a calm afternoon. Armed with this information our race officer, Tessa Ingram, decided to run 4 back to back races for the fleet. The opening race saw Chris Bond throw away a huge lead to the benefit of Dave Coles followed by Jason Clarke, who has really become a force to reckon with the longer the season has gone on. Dave also took race 2 with Chris coming back to take the last 2 races and the overnight lead. It was an excellent days racing with special mention to Adrian Wallis who was showing great form and unlucky not to get into the top 3 in one of the races. On the other hand Tim Gibson was struggling to find his form and it was the first time in a very long time that we hadn’t seen him in the top 3.

The format for day 2 was a little more conventional with 2 races in the morning and 2 in the afternoon. Jason Clarke was in superb form and took the 1st two races. This had a huge impact on the results and left Chris, Dave and Jason on equal points leading into the last 2 races so everything was up for grabs. Dave took the first, taking it off Chris at the final gybe in the ever increasing wind. The last race had gusts of 20 knots + and also a change of course which was to play a key part. Chris was first to the windward closely followed by Jason and Dave but the latter had misinterpreted the course and went the wrong way paving the way for the other 2 to finish ahead of Tim, with Chris being the winner and taking the event overall. In spite of this the overall rankings went in Dave’s favour with him gaining a point and being on level terms with Chris but ahead on count back. 

The weekend saw, what most considered, the best and closest racing of the season. Great performances were shown by most of the fleet with special mentions needed to be made for youth sailor James Battye and newcomer John Adcock who got one top 4 finish. Hope to see you all at Christchurch.

Results:

1. Chris Bond (Gaastra/Tabou, Point-7, Z-Fins, Robin Hood Watersports)
2. Dave Coles (Gaastra/Tabou, Severne)
3. Jason Clarke (Starboard, Severne)

1st  National 11 – Adrian Wallis (Gaastra/Tabou)
2nd National 11 – Bob Ingram (Starboard, North Sails)