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 Boxing Day Race 2009
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In complete contrast to last year's weather, members were greeted to heavy rain as they arrived for this year Annual Boxing Day Race. This probably accounted for the slight reduction in the number of boats taking to the water. We had sixteen signed in for the start, but this was reduced to fifteen before the five minute signal, with team Greenfield suffering gear failure to their Flying Fifteen. Tony Carter (the race officer) was feeling in a festive mood and signaled a short postponement, in an effort that they my be able to fix things, but with a damaged boom their race was over. With the wind from a SSW direction the course was Buoy's 3s, 6p, 7s, 4s, 1s & Fs. At approximately 10:50am the 5min signal sounded. With the wind shifting slightly, (as it tends to do at Weir Wood), it gave a slight bias to the start line, but too late for the race officer to do anything about it.
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| With the competitors keen to get under way, there was the usual jostling for position on the line. With the rain now stopped and the sun even showing an appearance, it would be great to say there was a clean start. However the RS800 with Paul Jenkins at the helm and Colin Hatton as crew, were too keen to get that flyer and ended up some 1.5 boat lengths over the line at the gun.
With a good mix of boats in the race, some good sailing was had by all. With Jenkins and Hatton out of the picture (they did not return to re cross the start line) the RS400 helmed by Michael Barns and crewed by Ernie Hatton led the way. At the end of the first lap Sam & Julie Pascoe were close on their heals in the Taser, with the Burridge's in the Laser 2000 in 3rd and Jon Emmett in the Laser Radial a close 4th. The temperature being only 7 degrees, was a little on the cool side for some. The Genders family in their Laser 2 retired at the end of the first lap, leaving only 12 boats to complete the 2nd and final lap.
The rest of the race was uneventful with everyone enjoying the fresh conditions. The winner of this year's Weir Wood Pudding, for 1st place, went to Jon Emmett in the Laser Radial. A full list of the final results can be viewed by clicking the link below. |
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There are no formal duties allocated for Boxing Day, with members helping out when and where they can. Thanks needs to be given to Tony Carter for standing as Race Officer, with Robin Booth and Carl Vincent assisting. Mark Lee for manning the support boat, Bridget & Abby Carter and Christine Canavan for providing the Mulled Wine & Mince Pies in the clubroom. With many family members turning up just for the mulled wine & mince pies, great fun was had by everyone enjoying the atmosphere in the clubroom after the racing. This year's Boxing Day Race was yet another great Weir Wood event to end the year.
You can view the race results by clicking here
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