The Great North Asymmetric Challenge

Bass is pleased to host the first ever Great North Asymmetric Challenge which is sponsored by Ronstan. Conditions at first were blustery to such an extent that two masts were broken in the first race! The breeze did increase for the next race and several boats dropped out due to capsizes.

After a coffee break the fleet went out to find the wind had eased considerably, and all those with complete boats sailed and finished each race. Of course, changing wind directions, and varying gusts, meant that the windward leeward course came into its own, and sailors had to find the fastest side of the course.

Some consistent sailing by Paul and Michael Allen in their RS400 has earned them a well deserved overnight lead, with three firsts, from Chris Pickles and Laura Westell in an RS200. Best club boat is Phil and Naomi Smith who are lying 3rd overall.

On Saturday evening sailors enjoyed a caribbean meal, followed by a disco to burn off any spare energy that they may have had!

Sunday started with sunshine and the wind filling in from the South. Just before the start a storm cloud appeared over the clubhouse and very soon squalls of wind followed taking out more than 5 boats in a matter of seconds. The wind increased and more and more boats capsized so the fleet went ashore. Shortly after Noon, the wind has eased considerably and a beat was set in the SW breeze and the 5th race was held. By the time the 6th race was about to start wind was swinging around Sale Fell allowing bursts of wind from the South. It was the twin breezes that sailors were able to use to their advantage (if they spotted what was going on!)

The fleet went ashore for lunch before heading out for one final race which seemed to have settled in from the South again. Although it eased at the start, it filled in again to give an excellent final race to the championship.

Paul and Michael Allen continued with their consistent sailing to win overall in an RS400 with four 1sts and a 2nd. Chris Pickles and Laura Westell were consistently on Paul’s tail to finish second overall in their RS200 with two 1sts and three 2nds.

Phil and Naomi Smith were best Bass boat, finishing 4th overall in an RS200.

Overall winners
Paul and Michael Allen
(Leigh & Lowton)

1st Single hander
Mark Somerville (Bass)
receiving prize from Billy Booth

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