Bartley Sailing Club hosted its own Bartley's Bash last Sunday 20th September, where over 44 people were on the water including visitors and K20 youth sailors to enjoy a wonder day of weather and
Ann Kelly our OD and her team, had set us a great course and the longest start line ever seen at BSC to allow all the fleet to get safely away. For the first race Paul & Ella Cowin's in their Vago were quite quick off the mark but showing us the stern (back) of his new RS 400 was Howard, closely followed by Debbie Degge in her Aero 7 and chasing hard was John in his Laser, with the rest of the pack chasing.
For the second year running our visitors Phil and Tracey in the Enterprise did very well especially as they did not know where the buoys were!
It was great to see so many youngsters out on the water and yes we are talking about you Alan & Ken!!!!... Seriously Megan Hardiman displayed great racing skills in her RS Tera and was close to Tom Williams in his Laser!.on corrected time. But in the Youth category Crewing for good old Dad in their RS Feva was Millie Hardiman who won the overall trophy which was nearly as big as her!! Second was Will and Alex Jones who unfortunately had to dash so didn’t collect their wonderful wooden shield prize.
In the Solo’s the Thornton family had a tough battle and it was a battle to the end with Nick the old man!! Using his regular knowledge to just come in ahead of his son Neil, who clearly was disappointed to not win the amazing personalised Solo logo trophy.
In the RS fleet (out-side top position) was Andy Gill and Ciara Perry in their 200 who came from behind to finish just 1.5minutes behind the leader in corrected time so also had a good race and will again get the sailing committee to re look at their handicap!!!
Andy Bownes who used this as a test event in readiness for the Phantom open on the 4th Oct, had a strong start but was chased hard but in the end didn’t get enough clear air to get away soon enough. As did Pete Ansty who came in second Phantom found that more wind was needed. Our local commander in chief Mike Gibson in his new Supernova, got berried at the start and was held back in traffic so was slightly off pace for him!
John Ellis Rose had a close battle with Tom and finish third Laser and said at the prize giving it was a good day and an added benefit was he stayed dry!
We had a lot of variation this year in the fleets with Adrian and Maria Blocking in their Fireball who nearly got fully out on the wire! Colin & Sally in the Merlin who were second home on the water. Kev Payne sailed consistent must have been all this recent practice at the BSC RS 300 open!!. Again this year we had a windsurfer with Clare Simpson who made it round and this was definitely a massive triumph for her which you could see from the big smile on her face.
A special mention for Huw and Claire who sailed their laser's for the very first time in a race - well done.
Overall Debbie Degge was awarded the prestige Silver BB trophy for the year with Second was John, and third Andy & Ciara
One of the key drivers for the day was to raise funds for our Bartley Sailing Club K20 youth sailors which we have received so far £168 on the day with some sailors pledging to still put some in the pot!!! You know who you are!!! (I have your names!!)
The second half of the day was a race with a twist and fun games session, as Ann introduced the adults to her "Pirates". This mischievous bunch hit the adults with their coloured cannon (plastic) balls resulting in the adults having to do a penalty turn. But in the end their can only be one!!! As it was Kevin Payne who managed to survive the best and was crowned the winner.
There was plenty of activity from the pirates Megan and Millie ruling the waves, Maisy riding on the bow to gain added accuracy, Tom, unsure whether to attack his fellow Laser sailors or not and Cecily in the boat with a sting in its tail!
It was brilliant to see so many people down again and we feel we achieve the aim of raising awareness and some cash to help people get out sailing and racing !!!
So remember the Bar or the committee are still taking any donations so if you can spread the word we will be most grateful.
Thanks again for your kind support
Regards
John
Bartley Sailing Com
Mob 079 200200 36