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Swallow nationals won by Hyde boat
Sunday, 11 October 2009
'Gwaihir' takes the championship in Bracklesham Bay
The Swallow National Championship was sailed in Bracklesham Bay, just outside Chichester Harbour, with the five race programme hosted by Itchenor Sailing Club being completed in a blustery and shifty NE Force 4/5.
The event was ultimately dominated by 'Gwaihir' (Mike Wigmore/Mark Struckett) and 'Marengo' (Carolyn Brigg). In the opener 'Skua' (Harry Roome) lead from a black flag start around the Olympic triangle course, with 'Marengo' and 'Gwaihir' following. The next windward/leeward race went to 'Gwaihir' with 'Echo' (Chris Body) in second and 'Marengo' third. In the third and final race of day one 'Marengo' made no mistakes and comfortably won the Olympic triangle race from 'Skua' with 'Gwaihir' third. This left 'Marengo' in the lead overnight with 'Gwaihir' just one point behind.
'Gwaihir' came out with full guns firing for the fourth race to post her second win of the championship, while 'Marengo' gained steadily from another poor start to take third. In the final race and after another black flag start 'Spectre' took early control and stayed there with 'Echo' taking second. Meanwhile 'Gwaihir' was indulged in some pre-start and first beat match racing to sail 'Marengo' down the fleet. Job done, 'Gwaihir' then advanced to fourth while 'Marengo' eventually finished fifth - enough to secure 'Gwaihir's' championship title.
Mike Wigmore was delighted with the win, adding: 'We had won the event crewing 15 years ago but this is our first win as owner and helm.'
Regarding the sails, he explained: 'We have worked with Hyde since the boat was new to develop the sails. The rig is now fast in all conditions. It's particularly good in the flat water of Chichester Harbour whilst retaining good speed and flexibility in championship conditions. The mark three spinnaker is particularly good on windward leeward courses.'
For more information on Hyde Sails and the Swallow class, see www.hydesails.com go direct to the class page at www.hydeshop.com/swallow-112-c.asp or contact Paul Austin (T: +44 (0) 7801 907458)
The Swallow National Championship was sailed in Bracklesham Bay, just outside Chichester Harbour, with the five race programme hosted by Itchenor Sailing Club being completed in a blustery and shifty NE Force 4/5.
The event was ultimately dominated by 'Gwaihir' (Mike Wigmore/Mark Struckett) and 'Marengo' (Carolyn Brigg). In the opener 'Skua' (Harry Roome) lead from a black flag start around the Olympic triangle course, with 'Marengo' and 'Gwaihir' following. The next windward/leeward race went to 'Gwaihir' with 'Echo' (Chris Body) in second and 'Marengo' third. In the third and final race of day one 'Marengo' made no mistakes and comfortably won the Olympic triangle race from 'Skua' with 'Gwaihir' third. This left 'Marengo' in the lead overnight with 'Gwaihir' just one point behind.
'Gwaihir' came out with full guns firing for the fourth race to post her second win of the championship, while 'Marengo' gained steadily from another poor start to take third. In the final race and after another black flag start 'Spectre' took early control and stayed there with 'Echo' taking second. Meanwhile 'Gwaihir' was indulged in some pre-start and first beat match racing to sail 'Marengo' down the fleet. Job done, 'Gwaihir' then advanced to fourth while 'Marengo' eventually finished fifth - enough to secure 'Gwaihir's' championship title.
Mike Wigmore was delighted with the win, adding: 'We had won the event crewing 15 years ago but this is our first win as owner and helm.'
Regarding the sails, he explained: 'We have worked with Hyde since the boat was new to develop the sails. The rig is now fast in all conditions. It's particularly good in the flat water of Chichester Harbour whilst retaining good speed and flexibility in championship conditions. The mark three spinnaker is particularly good on windward leeward courses.'
For more information on Hyde Sails and the Swallow class, see www.hydesails.com go direct to the class page at www.hydeshop.com/swallow-112-c.asp or contact Paul Austin (T: +44 (0) 7801 907458)
posted by Hyde Sails at
21:30
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