Byte Inland Championships at Bowmoor Sailing Club

Byte Inland Championships at Bowmoor © Tom Whittingham

A healthy turnout of twenty-two Bytes descended on the azure blue waters of Bowmoor for the traditional end of season Inland Championships. The appeal of these great little single-handers was demonstrated by the diversity of the entry list that boasted an equal split between the sexes and an age range from early teens to..... (I'll say no more).

With four races on the Saturday and two on the Sunday, a leisurely start provided ample time for visitors to arrive, rig, catch up and pitch tents before racing commenced. Competition was tight throughout the fleet in every race with many close (and sometimes noisy) battles spiced up by the odd capsize. In a shifting breeze, getting a good start and first beat were the keys to success.

Results on the first day were dominated by Victoria Theaker, Rick Whitehouse (both from Combs) and Duncan Glen (Spinnaker and Parkstone) who were separated by just 2 points overnight. The final race of the day was a classic with Rick successfully defending his lead from everything that was repeatedly thrown at him.

On a chilly Sunday morning competitors awoke to a flat calm with the only ripples on the lake being caused by wild swimmers and geese. After a short postponement the breeze filled in - slightly less than the day before but just as shifty. The conditions were obviously to the liking of "young" George Jacobs (Combs) and Charlotte Hitchmough (Bowmoor) who mixed things up at the front.

In race 5, whilst George, Duncan and Rick were battling for the lead, Victoria and Charlotte headed left on one of the beats to hook into a nice port lift and cruise into the lead. Victoria was never seen again, lining up a "winner takes all" finale.

With Rick uncharacteristically buried on the start line, and Victoria behind George and Charlotte, Duncan was sitting pretty in the lead until somebody turned off the breeze. As the front of the fleet concertinaed Victoria closed in for the kill but just ran out of race track, leaving a much relieved Duncan to take the gun (well, hooter) and with it the championship.

Byte Inland Championships at Bowmoor - photo © Tom Whittingham

A smashing way to finish the season at what must be one of the friendliest clubs on the circuit - a big thanks to John Banbrook and his team of many helpers. It was great to see many new faces (particularly those from the home clubs youth production line) mixing it with the more experienced travellers.

This bodes well for next season - roll on 2023.

Overall Results:

Top Junior - George Jacobs (Combs)
Most amount of sailing - Kieron Cooke (Bowmoor)