Lightning 368 Open at Cookham Reach Sailing Club

The Cookham Reach Sailing Club open meeting saw a good turnout of Lightning 368s with ten local boats and seven visitors, in what was a near idyllic day with both sunshine and wind.

The first race saw the clubhouse side of the bank favoured with Penny Yarwood storming off to what looked like an unassailable lead, with a lot of changing of position all the way through the fleet happening behind. Robbie Claridge broke clear, gave chase and slowly reduced Penny's lead, forcing her to go defensive up the final beat. With only inches separating them at the finish, it was Penny that took the gun. Third was Simon with Caroline in fourth.

The second race again saw John Claridge attempt the port end start from the Northern bank which had ended so disastrously for him in the first race. This time however it was he who pulled out a substantial lead, whilst the others just sat with no wind. Once again Robbie broke clear of the rest and gave chase. After several changes in the lead, on the last lap it was Robbie that took the gun, with his father John second and local sailor Martin Evans, who started on the Northern bank with John, third.

The fleet then headed back to the clubhouse for a great lunch of fish and chips and a well earned rest in the sunshine.

With everything depending on the final race, things were little tense as Penny, Robbie or John could win overall.

In the best breeze of the day it was soon a two boat tussle between Robbie and Penny. Equally behind it was a straight fight between John and Simon for third overall and they spent the entire race changing places several times. Simon was quicker upwind but John's superior lightweight skill giving him the edge down wind. On the last leg Simon sneaked through for third in the race. Up front Robbie was kept honest by Penny, but led to the line.

Robbie won the event with Penny second and John third, having tied on points with Simon who was fourth on count back. Local sailor Martin Evans came in fifth and won the trophy for first local boat.

A really interesting day's sailing and one I can highly recommend to those who didn't make it this year, The club is really friendly, local helms helpful and the challenges made by very shifty winds, narrow boats, motor boats, rowing eights, paddle boards, and local aquatic wildlife are far outweighed by the stunning scenery.

Next outing is the Southern Championship during the Lymington Town Dinghy Regatta on 7th & 8th July. Another unique venue and one not to be missed.

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