Earlswood SC Open

The 15th September saw a good fleet of local twelves plus a smattering of
visiting boats take part in the Earlswood SC Open. The weather was
sunny, but a strong westerly wind made for gusty conditions and a fair bit of
swimming practice through the fleet.

In the first race John and James Whitehead stormed away in their Feeling
Foolish for the No. 1 position. 2nd place came down to a close battle
between Brian Herring and Ros Stevenson in the Proctor Mk4 'Lets Go' and
Tim Laws crewed by Adam Guest in a Cheshire Cat, eventually going in favour of
Herring and Stevenson.

After a quick break for refreshments it was straight into race two, and
another win for the Whiteheads. Herring and Stevenson again made second
place with Diane Thornton and Hayley Guest from the home club taking third
position in another Cheshire Cat.

In race three it was Thornton and Guest who showed early on, closely
pursued by Laws and Guest. John Whitehead, having already secured victory, handed
the helm over to Mike Cooke. After a bad start Cooke quickly made up
places to return to the front of the fleet, however it was Herring and Stevenson
who took first position.

Overall first place went to the Whiteheads, with 'Lets Go' taking second.
Third place resulted in three boats being tied on points, with third place
awarded to Thornton and Guest on a countback. All in all an exciting (at
least on the parts of the lake where there was wind...) days racing at a
very hospitable club.

Results:
> 1st 3458 John & James Whitehead
> 2nd 1673 Brian Herring & Ros Stevenson
> 3rd 2835 Diane Thornton & Hayley Guest
> 4th 3071 Laurence Carter & Tom Carter
> 5th 3007 Tim Laws & Adam Guest