Ospreys fly North and South to Kielder water.
Report by Alistair Raynard and photographs courtesy & copyright © Angela Mamwell
On the 11th & 12th September the Osprey Scottish and Northern Championships were held at Kielder Water. The best bit about this event, (which has run for many years) is travelling up, as it gets quieter the further North you get. Upon arrival the vastness of this place is a sight to be seen. In the log cabin Club House, with its log fire burning, supper was served, with fine Penine Brewery Ales.
With two races to be held on Saturday, three on Sunday, the race officer, Jon Close briefed the eleven teams. He was going to try and get three races in. As Sunday was looking light, this was a good call, as on Sunday no racing would have been possible. All races were triangle and sausage courses.
Race 1
The wind was blowing 15 kts - 25 kts in the gusts. The whole fleet started on time. At the first windward rounding it was Richard & Mark Hartley first, followed closely by the rest of the fleet. The Reaches were a proper battle! On lap 2 Rob & Ali got an overlap at the Leeward Mark and took the lead to the finish. Richard & Mark in second, capsized at the gybe mark, this was unfortunate as Richard was nursing two broken ribs and retired. We wish him well.
Race 2
All fighting it out, apart from Alec & Arthur who came into the first mark with a handsome lead, which they kept until the end to take first place.
Race 3
Still 15 - 25 kts, Rob & Ali managed to get ahead and finish first, with the fleet close behind, ready to take opportunities. Keith & Andy (1366), (new to the class) we're going well. It was a shame their spinnaker pole ends were popping out at the wrong time. Well done for finishing all races.
The fleet returned to the shore after three fantastic back to back races. The sun set as we enjoyed a gut busting barbecue cooked by Rob Shaw, Viola & Mike Scott, plus helpers.
Sunday morning came, Jon tried his best to find some wind, with the fleet waiting on the shore. After a 2 hour wait, the racing was abandoned.
Before the prize-giving the results were checked carefully as 3rd, 4th & 5th all had 6 points.
All boats packed away, the prize giving was held, with generous prizes, from the Penine Brewery.
Many thanks to Kielder Water Sailing Club.
Overall results maybe!
1363 'Robbers Alley' Alistair Raynard & Rob Burdekin
1366 Stewart Murdoch & Sandy
1350 'Contains Nuts' Alec & Arthur
1349 Rob Shaw & Ian Little
1314 'Think Again' Viola & Mike Scott
1337 (1292) Nick & Jonathan
1114 'Just Pogo' Ros & David Downs
1316 'Uzi Jane' Keith & Andy
1341 Willie & Jon
1381 Richard & Mark Hartley
1340 Graham Thumwood & Ravi Cabral
