The annual Kielder Water Dam to Dam Challenge attracted six Ospreys of the dinghy variety to participate in long distance racing under the watchful eyes of those of the feathered kind.
This event has delivered plenty of memorable racing over the years, but the forecast this time suggested that this would not be one of the vintage ones. Even so the visitors were drawn from opposite extremes of the land – Hayling Island, Lochaber in the Highlands and Tata Steel in South Wales – testament to the always welcoming atmosphere of the club and this magnificent piece of water.
Almost inevitably as the starting signal sounded the wind died completely, so progress off the line was at best stately, even comatose for some as Viola and Mike Scott took almost five minutes to cross despite being almost in touching distance of the committee boat. There was just enough of a zephyr to propel the fleet gradually towards the top of the lake, six miles away. Alex and Nick Willis seemed to have the measure of it at this point and held the lead until the mercifully shortened halfway mark. As the leaders turned the corner some breeze miraculously appeared and the Scotts managed to capitalise and move into the lead which they held to the finish, chased hard by Rob Shaw and Ian Little who made it home just before the breeze died again.
The next day looked a little more promising and there was some respectable light wind racing, although things got very light again at the bend in the lake. Rob and Ian broke free first and charged ahead, followed by Alistair Raynard and Rob Burdekin who were now well into their stride. For the last part of the race we were suddenly treated to decent trapezing conditions and there was an absorbing three mile tacking dual with Alec Mamwell and Arthur Butler, Ros and David Downs and Viola and Mike competing for third place.
The overall event was won by the very quick Norfolk Punt of Colin and Olly Murray, with Rob and Ian first Osprey and third overall.
Thanks to the club for making the very best of difficult conditions and providing excellent off the water hospitality.
