Event 3
Venue: Astbury Sailsports, nr Congleton
Date: 7 July 2007

Warriors take a sweet victory

After a week of heavy rain and gales, what a change to be greeted with a steady force 2, straight down the lake and yes, we had sunshine!!! This set the scene for what was to be the West Kirby Warriors’ finest victory. Team Astbury put up a strong team of 14 sailors even though they had some key players at a UKWA national Event. The up and coming Manley Mere Katz fielded a team of 8 sailors.

Impressive sailing

In almost ideal conditions it was down to business. A giant slalom course was set and the 6.8 and 5.5m fleet led the way. From the outset the orange vests of the Warriors were getting the results they desperately wanted, with Jay Gwynn leading the fleets home. What was pleasing to see was the good standard of sailing by all competitors, particularly the newcomers. As Nathan Fowler (14 – Team Astbury) was crossing the start line on the first race he said to me “I don’t know what I’m doing here I’ve only been sailing for 3 days!” Nathan was drafted in by Astbury, having just completed a week’s work experience!

good day for the Coldhams

After lunch the course was changed to provide a bit more of a challenge, particularly for the 6.8 and 5.5m fleets. The upwind bit of the sausage leg was intended to bring out the best in the sailors. For the 3.5 and 4.5m fleets, they had the challenge of coping with a run as well as the other fleets descending on their first mark. Oli Bradley-Baker (4.5m) appeared to excel in all races and remained unbeaten. In the 3.5m fleet we had a real battle between Mark Reynolds (Team Astbury) and Tom Coldham (West Kirby Warriors). Throughout the day they were trading places, always a 1st or a 2nd. It was only on the final race that things were resolved – Mark and Tom tied on points. Tom won overall having won the last race, so reversing the Hollingworth results. It was very much a Kirby/Coldham day with Tom’s brother Sam achieving seven 1sts in the 5.5m fleet.

Tired but happy

With a record 8 races in a day, the prize giving was attended by some very tired but smiling youngsters – yes, the sailing had been great! Sarah Walton (aged 11 – Manley Mere Katz) and Callum Yates (aged 9 – Team Astbury) received merit awards having competed in their first ever event and done brilliantly. There could however have been many more merit awards presented for the efforts of numerous sailors – too many to mention here.

A Warrior victory

So, it was very much the Warriors’ day. With four 1sts and two 2nds they had an almost perfect score of 8pts (the best that any team can achieve at an event is 7 pts).

Thanks must go to Ali and the Astbury team (particularly the ex-team 15 sailors and parents) who supported the event with all the administration and safety cover etc.

What's next?

I’m looking forward to the next event at West Kirby on Sunday 9th September. This joint event with the UKWA will be a showcase for Team 15 at what is usually a cracking venue. Who will take the series win? It’s all to play for! Have a good summer with lots of windsurfing.

Mike Roberts

Team winners - West Kirby Warriors 

 

Report written by: Mike Roberts
T15 CO - West Zone

We are the Champions!
West Kirby Warriors
T15 Champions 2008

Congratulations!

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