National Champs 2- Formula Report

The 2nd event of the UK Formula championship took place at sunny Bridlington. Many competitors feared the worse as the forecast was not looking very positive leaving the possibility of a second successive non-event very possible. However Saturday morning provided enough wind for 2 races to take place.

Race 1 offered perfect formula conditions with a 14-17 knot wind with some stronger gusts. Some went with an 11 and others opted for a 10. Tim Gibson got a flying start and was first to the windward mark with the rest of the fleet in close pursuit. He held on to the lead, although a strong challenge from chris Bond saw him come within a whisker of stealing the win. Dave Coles took third (not bad for a vet ;). 

As race 2 got under way it was obvious that the wind was dying so it was a race against time to finish before it died altogether. Those who were on a 10m suffered greatly and hardly planed on lap 2. Chris Bond took the race by some margin thanks to probably having the most powerful fin. Dave and Tim battled it out for 2nd with Tim taking the honours. The wind finally died off completely so racing was over with Chris taking the event on count back. Results were as follows:

1st Chris Bond (Point 7, Gaastra/Tabou, Z-Fins, Robin Hood Watersports)

2nd Tim Gibson (North Sails, Gaastra/Tabou, Z-Fins, Boardwise)

1st VET and 3rd overall Dave Coles (Severne, Starboard)

1st National 11 and 1st Youth James Battye (Point 7, Starboard, Robin Hood Watersports)