by Adam Hilton
Nicky Buckett
Commodore’s Cup 1 (National PNs)
Bob Sampson (Laser Radial) was the first to cross the start line of a Tamar Lake massively diminished by the lack of rain and the available water further restricted by a fifty rod fishing competition. The only possible course that Officer of the Day Nicky Buckett could set was a straight one going up to Middle – not enough water to go any further north – and back to the Dam. A lap of such a course took about five minutes so to have a race of a reasonable duration six laps went by before the finish. Nathan Pollard in another Laser Radial chased in second place and ended the race a mere seven seconds behind. The westerly winds revved up for the start of the race causing Adam Hilton’s third placed Solo to capsize mid-gibe at Middle. Brian Pollard’s Bosun, Cilla Gilbert crewing, took over third place and kept it. Roger Heasman’s Bosun, with David Perrett, followed in fourth but was overtaken on the second lap by John Dabbs and Vicki Duncalf in their sister dinghy only to give back the place on the finish line when stuck in irons. The leading Lasers lapped the rest of the field.
- Bob Sampson (Laser Radial)
- Nathan Pollard (Laser Radial)
- Brian Pollard and Cilla Gilbert (Bosun)
- Roger Heasman and David Perrett (Bosun)
- John Dabbs and Vicki Duncalf (Bosun)
Retired: Adam Hilton (Solo), Geoff Floyd (Solo)
Spalding Cup 1
The fleet was reduced to five boats by the withdrawal of the two Solos and Adam Hilton replaced Cilla Gilbert as Brian Pollard’s crew. The wind was reduced too. Brian Pollard got away first although the two Lasers had no trouble overtaking him. Nathan Pollard led for a couple of laps, then Bob Sampson took over for a couple, then Nathan Pollard caught up on lap 5, had the inside line at Dam Green and managed to finish the race in front; an epic battle with less than a second between them on the finish line. There was also a non-stop dingdong between the two Bosuns, the gap between them constantly varying but the lead not changing.
- Bob Sampson (Laser Radial)
- Nathan Pollard (Laser Radial)
- Brian Pollard and Adam Hilton (Bosun)
- Roger Heasman and David Perrett (Bosun)
Nicky Buckett was Officer Of the Day assisted by Penny Abbott. Thanks to them.