Comet Open at Fishers Green Sailing Club
by Godfrey Clark 9 May 23:46 NZST
4 May 2024
Fishers Green Comet Open © Godfrey Clark
Fishers Green SC held their annual Comet open meeting on 4th May, as part of their travellers' series. Comets from 8 different clubs enjoyed sparkling conditions although we could have done with a bit more wind!
With forecasts advising a southerly breeze which would back to the south-east during the day, the problem for the RO was whether the early breeze would remain as it was, or if and when, the forecast change would occur?
Race one got away cleanly with Eddie Pope making the best start and keeping to the middle of the course as the breeze shifted left and sometimes dramatically right in total contradiction of the forecast. The up and down breeze was such that a good lead at the top mark could rapidly disappear as the new wind filled in from behind, but Eddie had laid out his stall for 3 straight wins before the fleet returned ashore for a superb pasta lunch.
For race 3 again, the start got away at the first attempt despite an increasingly port biased line as the breeze did finally take a significant step to the south-east. Eddie was chased throughout by Annette Walter with two solid second slots. With no real chance of a fourth race which the fleet largely seem to prefer, everyone headed home for afternoon tea.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | Pts |
|---|
| 1st | 377 | Eddie Pope | Ogston | ‑1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2nd | 323 | Annette Walter | Welwyn Garden | 2 | 2 | ‑3 | 4 |
| 3rd | 597 | Ben Palmer | Baltic Wharf | ‑4 | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 4th | 867 | Chris Robinson | Burghfield | 3 | ‑4 | 4 | 7 |
| 5th | 41 | Mark Smith | Fishers Green | 5 | ‑8 | 6 | 11 |
| 6th | 868 | Helen Evans | Silver Wing | 6 | 5 | ‑8 | 11 |
| 7th | 532 | John Coppenhall | Hunts | ‑7 | 7 | 5 | 12 |
| 8th | 174 | Meg Warren | Chipstead | ‑8 | 6 | 7 | 13 |