Farmoor-Report

Farmoor Report by Rod Davies

Farmoor Picture By Andy Watkinson Photos

The annual UKWA visit to Oxford SC at Farmoor Reservoir found us with a bright sunny day but not a great deal of wind, however there was certainly enough to race although the wind was surprisingly shifty even for an inland venue. The rather splendid electronic display in the clubhouse was at one time showing shifts of 70 degrees!

However, it was the same for everyone, as we say.  Many a sailor almost wept in despair when an evil header appeared out of nowhere just as you were expecting to clear the windward mark with ease. The inconsistent results at the top of the raceboard fleet bear witness to the contrariness of the wind.

The barbecue put on by the Oxford club caterers was nothing short of lavish, and over fifty people enjoyed a delicious meal as the sun was slipping down.

Sunday morning produced a nice ten knot breeze, but as the announcement was made that the Formula Fleet would be first off, the wind gradually faded away to five or six again. It did kick in after lunch however and three races on the main course took place in a force three to four, which helped to make up for the low key action hitherto.

Meanwhile on the Junior course the youngsters were making hay, and whilst they did not quite break Tessa's record from last year, Ed Strange as Race Officer packed in 17 races. Alice Read won the 3.5 Open, Alysia Gibson the Techno 3.5, Zoe Dixon the 4.5, and Zed Spencer-Milnes the 5.8 with Rachel Horton as First Girl.

Luke Raistrick won the Techno 7.8 with Natalie McWilliams as First Girl. Robert York was first 6.8 with Emily Hall as First Girl.

Local boy Tom Squires made a virtually clean sweep of the RS:X fleet with Chloe Bennet as First Girl.

Tim Gibson led the Formula fleet home followed by Dave Cole.

In the Raceboards Paul Leone and Rob Kent were battling it out, but Rob's better performance in the stronger winds on Sunday clinched first place. Andy Mexome was first Unlimited in 3^rd overall and Annette Kent, sailing an 8.5 against the men's 9.5s, was First Lady in 10^th position overall.