10/06/2008 by Col.

With Snettisham Beach hosting the Single Handed National Championships later in the year, the Dart Open gave an ideal opportunity for some of the fleet to practice their racing skills for this individual event. The forecast for light showers and a 12 knot wind on Saturday almost came true but the rain was persistent which tested both competitors and race officers William Dickson and Roger Bell over three races. Guy Playford won the first and third race with Robert Fletcher and Ian Clayton taking the second race resulting in a single hander leading at the end of day one.
Sunday was dry and although the wind was forecast to drop, it continued to blow with as some saw it, unpredictable shifts. Guy’s route up the first beat meant that a shift gave him a considerable lead which he held to take the first race making him well placed to win the event. Robert and Ian came back to win the final two races which left both boats on equal points, equal firsts and after a quick check on the rules the event was won by the result of the last race, hence Robert and Ian regained the trophy.
Loosing the event by Appendix A Rule 8.2 was disappointing for Guy but he looks to be a strong contender for the Single Handed Nationals in September.

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09/03/2008 by Col.

Yes it’s March but this weekend was the first Dart GP at Rutland and as Jim and I live less than 15 minutes away we had no excuses but to go and represent Snet Beach. Robert and Ian made the wise decision not to sail on Saturday and watched the first race until they had counted more capsizes than competitors, and yes we were one of them. On the plus side we were leading at the time and were 4th after getting it up which we held for the last lap. Only 5 finished and racing was abandoned which I had to admit was the right decision despite wanting to continue. It was a good blast and I now know what maintenance should have been done over the winter.

Sunday was apparently the calm before the storm and saw 17 boats including Paul and Malcolm Whitmore going extremely well but not well enough to stop Stuart Snell and Simon Farthing from taking 3 firsts in the 4 races sailed. Overall winner was Stuart, Paul 2nd and we managed 5th but as always the most important result was the handicap. I managed to get Jim to stay for the prize giving, something to do with Guinness, and it was worth it as we received 1st handicap again. Made Jim’s day!

See you all down the beach soon. Col

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