Event 4
Saturday 20 August 2005
Croft Farm Leisure, nr Tewkesbury

Animals fight for victory
Registration started a little late on the final day in the SWn T15 inter-club series, due to my right-hand man being involved in the car accident en-route to Croft Farm. Registration opened promptly at quarter past ten instead of quarter to - 17 competitors arrived for action.

The first race was as a paddle around the buoys - Amy Barkus took first place for the Axbridege Animals closely followed by Nick Martin and Georgia Heaslip, giving the Animals the first three places. Chris Attwood from the Croft Farm Flyers took fourth place with Sean Treacy being the next Flyer across the line.

Race two was a handicap paddle race - the course being set in reverse and competitors were started in reverse of the finishing order from race 1. This made for a very interesting race but Amy proved once again her arms were as good as the wizard being, by taking first place even though she was last to start. Guy Irvine of the Flyers came in second place, whilst Ben Pepper and Georgia Heaslip made up the trio for the Animals.

The last race before lunch was a figure of 8 slalom course; some clubbers completed the two laps whilst many drifted downwind. Local sailor, Chris Attwood, successfully demonstrated both his sailing ability and local knowledge in difficult conditions. The Croft Farm Flyers have such a small water area they are specialists at gybing or tacking, depending on wind conditions and the direction they are sailing in. First place for Chris demonstrated this skill.

Lunch was short for many since most clubbers just grabbed a quick snack and then went out practicing their cornering for the remaining slalom courses to be held in the afternoon. The coaches also shortened their break to support their team by giving as much advice as possible to the clubbers on the water.

What an improvement after lunch - coaching and practice pay off! Most clubbers managed two laps of the course but it was Nick Rawlins (Animals) who took first place, followed by Charlie Jeenes representing the Flyers in second. It was a close call over the rest of the fleet with everyone's gybing improving at every turn.

Four more slalom races were held and whilst Ady Davies (T15 CO for the SWs) sorted the scores, Alan Newell (owner of Croft Farm) allowed the teams to chase around on the surf bikes. Even though all the results were close, the Axbridge Animals managed to win their final victory and consequently the SWn T15 inter-club series. India Heaslip from the Animals was awarded the Prize Persistence whilst Jack Harcourt (Flyers) was awarded a special prize for the Most-Improved sailor.

Agnita Newell, as co-owner of Croft Farm, presented the trophies and these were accompanied by product prizes (for the first place in each of the fleet) kindly donated by Alan Newell. All the competitors received an equipment bag for taking part. Wrapping up the prize-giving the T15 sponsors (Neilson, Tushingham and Bic) were thanked as were the host club, the Croft Farm Flyers, for their prizes and hospitality, especially the Crofters Café who provided sustenance throughout the day.

A good turn-out of clubs from the SWn is hoped for when the challenge takes place in three weeks time against the clubs in the SWs Zone. Wimbleball Sailing Club is the place to be - 10th September is the date. May the battle commence and the North be victorious!

Team winners
Axbridge Animals(Bic Sport)

All photos by Ady Davies

For further details contact
Geoff Pook
geoff.pook@rya-online.net

We are the Champions!
West Kirby Warriors
T15 Champions 2008

Congratulations!

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(previous courses in 2008)

Mount Batten Centre - Plymouth
Course type: Racing Instructor
Weekend course: 27/28 September 2008
Closing date: 5 September
Cancelled: lack of candidates

Lakes Leisure - Windermere
Course type: Racing Instructor
Weekend course: 30/31 August 2008
Closing date: 15 August
Fully booked

James Hamilton Heritage Park - Glasgow
Course type: Racing Instructor
Weekend course: 30/31 August 2008
Closing date: 15 August
Cancelled: lack of candidates

Gwent Adventures - Wales
Course type: Racing Instructor
Weekend course: 9/10 August 2008
Closing date: 25 July
5 candidates on course


Grafham Water Centre - Cambridgeshire
Course type: Racing Instructor
Weekend course: 5/6 July 2008
Closing date: 30 June
Spaces available
6 candidates on course

Wimbleball Lake - Somerset
Course type: Racing Instructor
Midweek course: 3/4 July 2008
Closing date: 30 June
4 candidates on course


Roadford Lake - Okehampton
Course type: Racing Instructor
Midweek Course: 4/5 June 2008
Organised by South West Lakes Trust
Fully booked


Carsington Watersports - Derbyshire
Course type: Freestyle
Weekend Course: 3/4 May 2008
Fully booked


Carsington Watersports - Derbyshire
Course type: Racing Instructor
Midweek Course: 1/2 May 2008
6 candidates on course


Mountbatten Centre - Plymouth
Course type: Racing Instructor
Weekend Course: 12/13 April 2008
Cancelled: lack of candidates

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