Report by Richard Marshall
On October 22nd & 23rd, 17 Ospreys competed for the Scottish & Northern Championship at Blithfield SC having moved South from originally scheduled to be hosts Carsington SC. It was also the ‘End of Season Final Fling' and final event of the 2022 Wilkinson Sword Travellers Trophy.
Unfortunately, Carsington SC had to notify the class they would be unable to host due to lack of water in their reservoir. Notification was early so the class were able to seek an alternative venue and are grateful to Blithfield SC for stepping in. Since Carsington notified the class, the water level has fallen even further.
There were three season in one weekend; sunshine, blue sky, light wind, Force 5+, South Westerly and Easterly. Close racing with 20 degree shifts that did not guarantee good starts making it early to round the first mark. Lots of place changing. Alex & Nick Willis (1291 ‘Waimanu’) lead 2nd race at halfway, only to end up 7th after one such shift.
Sunday morning was briefly epic; first reach a monsoon white out, lake was absolutely boiling and wind Force 5+; ‘wow’ that was wet and fast.
Rock stars, Peter Grey & Jeff Edwards, in the borrowed class Hartley boat 1360 were clean away with two ‘bullets’ after Saturday’s two races, however they then went to sleep on Sunday but still recorded 10 points overall. They were followed by the consistent Terry Curtis & Peter Greig in 1234 ‘Plan B’ also on 10 points overall. Surprise scratch team of Richard Marshall crewed by legendary helm Caroline Croft in 1373 ‘Great White’ finished 3rd overall on 12 points. Unluckily, 50yards from last finish Caroline went for a swim and two points were gone.
The latest version of the Osprey, the beautiful new Hartley MkVI, sailed by Roger Blake & Jamie Blake finished 5th overall.
A few less than expected with 17 boats; to many other holiday, work and concert commitment excuse!
Blithfield SC hospitality and race management were exemplary, thank you from the Osprey Class.
The Osprey Class are looking forward to the 70th Anniversary year in 2023, with the National Championship to be hosted by Hayling Island SC in early September. The class have already received expressions of interest in the event from 45 boats.
Results of Scottish & Northern Championship
Overall standings of the 2022 Wikinson Sword Tropjhy Travellers Series
