Henley Open Meeting

3 visitors joined 5 local boats for a glorious days sailing on the Thames in Wargrave.  Despite the good breeze, the trees and geography made the winds very gusty, giving the competitors and rescue boats something to think about !

The race officer made the best of the conditions with an interesting course. In the 1st race John and Mandy Thornton in N3443 got away off the line, making the most of the clear air to extend their lead through the race.  There was very close racing for 2nd with Mike Day and Anne Murch in N3496, Nigel and Chris White in N3490 and local sailor Steve Gent with Viv Roberts in N2799 all taking turns at the front of the pack. Mike improved his local knowledge through every lap, eventually securing 2nd with Steve in 3rd and Nigel 4th.

After a pause for lunch the racing resumed with Nigel and Chris getting a great start, closely followed by Mike and Alex Storey in N3274.  Nigel and Chris led to the most windward stretch of the course, but were overhauled by the chasing Thorntons who then continued to stretch their lead.  More close racing ensued with Mike and Anne again getting through to take 2nd with Nigel & Chris 3rd (despite a brief swim) and Mike and Alex 4th.

The final race was started with a different course, but amazingly, all boats achieved the same result as in race 2, giving the Thorntons the Henley Commodores Cup. The weather wasn't quite up to tea on the lawn, but all enjoyed the club hospitality and tasty cakes !

Results
1st N3443 John and Mandy Thornton, Henley SC

2nd N3496 Mike Day and Anne Murch, St Catherines SC

3rd N3490 Nigel and Chris White, Burghfield SC

4th N2799 Steve Gent and Viv Roberts, Henley SC (Admirals Cup prize)