Report by Alan Williams tweaked for an Osprey perspective by David Downs.
Three Ospreys attended the Classic & Vintage Racing Dinghy Association (CVRDA) event at Roadford Lake on the 20th & 21st July.
Ros & David Downs brought Just Pogo (1114) with an aluminium rig and an old Dacron sail rescued from 1138, Paul Heather & Jonathan Osgood brought 1182 out from the chicken shed at Wilsonian for a rare outing and Alan Williams had 942 fresh from refurbishment by Kevin Gosling, looking like new.
Roadford welcomed it's visitors with torrential rain. However it didn't stop visitors travelling from Scotland, France, Wales, Essex, IOW and all parts of Southern and South West England, in a wide variety of boats including Albacores, Jollyboats and low rider Moths.
Race 1
The course was set from the club line and was a large figure of eight. The wind was very shifty because of the rain. Taking off from last year and handling the conditions extremely well was the Albacore 6439 of Jean & Derek Simmons. Embarrassing a few faster boats with their boat speed on a boat on a boat basis. Needless to say victory went to them. 2nd was the Minisail being driven by a past Minisail champion Rupert Whelan. 3rd place being Ros & David Downs in their Osprey. Paul & Jonathan filled up with water on the second beat when Jonathan had a freak accident with his trapeze hook and trapeze elastic and finished 8th.
Race 2
The start took place in similar conditions to the first race on the same course. Ros & David with a substantial lead on the water we’re caught the wrong side of a huge windshift on the second beat letting a Jollyboat take the lead. Once again the Albacore 6439 taking first on handicap from Scottish visitors sailing Jollyboat 43. Third place being taken by Ros & David. Paul and Jonathan finished 5th.
Race 3
There was a change of course for race 3 as the variable wind had changed direction. Paul & Jonathan got away at the start and lead from start to finish on the water with Ros & David having extricated themselves from the fleet in hot pursuit. 1st was once again the Albacore 6439. 2nd the Minisail. With 3rd being taken by Paul & Jonathan with Ros and David in 4th.
Following the racing a cream tea was produced by Nicky and the crew of Jollyboat 3. Who had been baking scones and cakes especially for all of us. I would like ito thank them from all of us for making such a great contribution to the event. Later that evening we had a bring and burn BBQ with free beer. Followed by a quiz. The out come of which came down to only one person being able to answer a question on octopus. Well done Ian Marshall.
Sunday
Race 4
At last no Rain. Wind variable 2 - 4. Paul & Jonathan again got clean away at the start to lead the race on the water, while back in the fleet Ros & David had a good battle with James Chew & crew Ellie sailing Alan’s Osprey 942. For the first time in the weekend we had a new race winner Jollyboat 43 showing how fast this class can be with long reaches in the course; 2nd was the Albacore 6539 with 3rd being Paul & Jonathan.
Race 5
As a result of a major shift in the wind a committee boat was used to set a course from the eastern side of the lake. With the change of direction the wind began to increase allowing the Ospreys at last to stretch their legs. The conditions suited Ros & David who took 1st place, 2nd was Albacore 6439 and 3rd being Jollyboat 43 crewed by it's owner Ed Bremner helmed by Roger Devereux. Paul & Jonathan finished 10th while teething problems with 942 put an end to James & Ellie’s event.
Race 6
Sailed on the same figure of 8 course as race 5. The wind had increased allowing the FFs to plane hurrah. Regretfully Rupert’s Minisail was hit and his boat damaged to the extent he had to retire. This put him out of contention for one of the leading places. Let's all hope it's quickly repaired. 1st Jollyboat 43, 2nd Ros and David and 3rd Albacore 6439. Paul & Jonathan finishing 8th after capsizing under spinnaker.
Overall Results
1st Albacore 6439 Jean and Derek Simmons RTBYC
2nd Osprey 1114 (1138) Ros and David Downs Tata Steel SC
3rd Jollyboat 43 James Harrison and Chris MitchellKirkcudbright SC
5th Osprey 1182 Paul Heather and Jonathan Osgood
Full results can be viewed at https://www.cvrda.org/media//roadford_2024_results.htm
We would like to thank Race Officers Norman and Sarah for dealing with the difficult conditions so well, Nicky and her friends for providing a cream tea. Wendy Marshall and Lyndon’s sister for the beautiful fruit cake and other edibles. And last but not least everyone for supporting the Roadford CVRDA meeting.
