The tune up day gave members of the class association the opportunity to learn from the likes of Jones, Langdown and Wilcox, firstly to have them on hand to help race rig boats in the fashionable style and discuss the pros and cons of various set ups, but secondly to get some training drills done in close proximity without the pressure of racing.
Out on the water a fruity 20 knots with nasty gusts allowed all to remember how glorious the Contender can be in breeze after a 2021 of barely a leg stretch. Gate starts, short courses with enforced 3 tack and gybe minimum allowed the fleet to test a number of variables and generally get the boat back in the groove. The wind strength meant that there were a few spills to behold as well.
Highlights included:
Seeing S Jones swan dive into the sail
Realising that the inflatable buoy was in fact rock hard on impact
Keeping eyes closed as the gate boat when starboard tackers bear down on you
Getting your mandatory tacks in early and feeling smug
Forgetting to tell Graeme that we had changed the short course
All of this lovely practice set us nicely for a day of racing in light breezes, for which most were thankful for whilst nursing delayed onset of muscle soreness.
The final results were a season opening win for Graeme Wilcox, secured after the two firsts. An astonished Stuart Jones was second with Ed Presley rounding of the podium. Great to be back on the road and better that it was under bright sunshine. Next up is Oxford.
Overall Results:
Pos Helm Boat Name Sail No R1 R2 R3 Pts
1st Graeme Willcox Contender 695 1st 1st 4th 2
2nd Stuart Jones Contender 2706 2706 6th 3rd 1st 4
3rd Ed Presley Contender 2708 7th 4th 2nd 6
4th James Spikesley Pickled Doris 705 4th 2nd 7th 6
5th Gary Langdown Feel the Need 2484 2nd 7th 5th 7
6th Simon Mussell Contender 2420 3rd 6th 9th 9
7th Nick Curry Hurry Curry 2661 5th 5th 6th 10
8th Simon Dodds Laura 2423 8th 8th 3rd 11
9th Paul Ross Contender 2572 2572 9th 9th 8th 17
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