Weston Grand Slam 2005

The 25th to 28th March saw the Easter Grand Slam at Weston Sailing Club, Southampton Water. Seven boats took part over the course of the weekend in a regatta where the wind ranged from 0-10knots, initially starting in the east and turning southerly with the occasional north-easterly thrown in. The Europes sailed in the slow fleet as we only had 4 boats on the first 3 days.

Friday saw one race in a light easterly breeze around a triangular course. James Eynon led, followed by Ian Stow, Heather Back and Peter Ruff. Saturday saw another sunny and light wind day with race 2 starting with a running start towards Hyde. The race results followed that of Friday. With the wind dropping James decided not to sail race 3 but Peter and Ian had a close fight and crossed the line together both gaining from the slight increase in wind on the converging shore.

Sunday was again another light wind day but initially not as sunny. Race 4 was a square course and line honours where again given to James followed by Ian and Peter. The wind shifted NE for race 5 and the aim of this race was to keep moving and look for breeze. First mark was going up Southampton water with a close reach start. Heather reached the top mark first with James on her tail. As the wind died on the run James increased his lead and Ian and Peter tried to follow the breeze to the right. As the wind filled in from Southampton water Heather was able to take advantage to overtake James but as the wind filled in and then died there was a fight for the line against the tide. Heather crossed half a boat length in front.

Monday saw 8-10 knots of southerly breeze from the Solent and 5 boats on the line (sadly Heather had to do race duty). With a strong incoming tide the triangular course saw James taking line honours from Ian and Helen McHale. The breeze picked up slightly before the last race of the series and then dropped again during the race. The same course was set and by the end of the first lap James led followed closely by Chris Hughes and Helen. At the finish James and Chris were able to maintain their lead and Ian sailed himself from 5th back to 3rd.

James Eynon convincingly won the slow and Europe fleet followed by Ian Stow in second and Heather Back in 3rd.

Heather Back