Trent Valley open meeting

Trent Valley Midland Area & Vintage Open Meeting Sunday 7th September2014.

The day dawned warm and sunny with white fluffy clouds – and no wind! The expected 10 or so entries sadly became five (ALL VINTAGE) with several contestants having last minute crew failures and the Goldsworth sadly suffering a family bereavement the night before – our sincere condolences go out to them.

Race officer Keith Marshall postponed the first race and then wisely set a short triangular course in front of the club house which still proved hard work even with a very gentle current on the river. The wind was light and fickle with shifts of 180 degrees common!

Race one saw only Paul Turner on the start line with everyone wandering aimlessly about; sadly for him and Christine, Keith sounded a general recall. The second start saw almost everyone taking the lead briefly but Dave Peacock, with Ann Britton crewing, got to the top mark first followed by Howard Chadwick & Helen Nicholson in N2266. Paul and Brian Kitching & Olivia Stodieck (fresh from winning the Shotgun Trophy at the Burton) haggled over third with Alan Brunton and Tricia Peacock following round. And that’s the way the race finished.

Race two again saw five different starting tactics and everyone leading up to the first mark. At the front Chadders gave Dave a very serious “run for his money” and only lost out by a few feet at the finish. Alan (sailing Starfish N2020) managed to get in front of Brian and Paul ended up third, again.

We have a new steward and lunch was back to its usual fab TVSC standard; a thank you to Abe (and to Ann Britton for sorting out the domestic arrangements).

Race three saw Brian Kitching heading for home as he would be flying off to America very early the following morning – and he had heroically driven all the way from Bristol to compete. The wind was even more trying with Alan being lapped – but he did finish! Dave and Chadders were first and second and Paul’s valiant attempt to catch them on the last lap were thwarted by a major incident with an idiot narrow boat deciding to drive over the top mark as Paul as about to round it! There was no damage but there were words of a colourful variety......!

Results

1. Dave Peacock & Ann Britton N2620

2. Howard Chadwick & Helen Nicholson N2266

3. Paul Turner & Christine Preston N2487

4. Alan Brunton & Tricia Peacock N2020

5. Brian Kitching & Olivia Stodieck N1657

Our thanks to Keith Marshall & daughter for officiating and honourable mention to rescue boat manager Speedy Pete Browne – who had absolutely nothing to do all day except enjoy the sun!

It was good to see various day-trippers including Kevan & Janet – hopefully we will see some very relaxed photos.

Quote 1: Chadders: “Did someone forget to tell Dave Peacock that China Dolls don’t go well in light airs?”

Quote 2: Capt. Carbon “I hate sailing on the river at Trent Lock – especially when there’s sxd xll wind!”