Classics enjoy vintage challenging inland conditions at Llangorse Sailing Club

Guy Davison and Bethan North win the CVDRA Open at Llangorse © Robert Dangerfield

Gusts colliding from opposing directions - sometimes from above - ensured the Classic and Vintage Dinghy Racing Association enjoyed a fittingly classic sailing experience at Llangorse.

A tidy fleet of trios of Merlins, Fireflys and International Moths were joined by Flying Fifteen no 55, an Albacore and an International 14 at the Brecon Beacons' club's first Classic and Revival Open event.

Race Officer, Robert Dangerfield says, "Dramatic wind-shifts were accompanied by intensely demanding and inconsistent wind-speeds. The depth of experience in the crews and the hardware throughout the fleet was well demonstrated, as first over the line in the series of five races were three very different classes."

Guy Davison and Bethan North from the home club prevailed to take the honours in Firefly 2539 - a crew that was able to manage extremes of conditions. On their heels, International Moth 2883, Ian Marshall, victor in 2 races, showed us all how agile helms need to be in these flighty little boats. Jeremy and Katherine Soulsby in Flying Fifteen 55, held a strong third place in an exhibition of managing heavy gusts in a class of larger sail area. It was this beautifully re-built 'Fifteen (currently available for sale) which was nominated as the best-presented classic and vintage boat.

Thanks go to CVRDA Chair, Pat Jones for her part in working Llangorse coordinator, Paul Atwell in establishing this event. Paul says, "Llangorse Sailing Club was founded in the year of Her Majesty's accession, so we share a platinum jubilee. This event was a great way to celebrate our own 70th anniversary. We will be delighted to liaise with the fleet with the prospect of building the event into our busy calendar in 2023."

Guy Davison and Bethan North win the CVDRA Open at Llangorse - photo © Robert Dangerfield