On the 23rd May, 4 Budworth boats (Ben and Emma Dutton, Graeme and Hannah Bristow, Matt Bromley and Andrea Morgan, Graham Tinsley & Millie Cowan) made the trip to Staunton Harolds first RS200 open. Lucky we were there, as the entries only totaled 12 ! However, the fleet didn’t lack quality with tough sailing all the way down the order. The weather was fantastic with a nice force 2-3, temps in the late teens and glorious sunshine all day. Makes a change from the rain over the last few weeks.
Race 1 was a close, with GT winning bye 20 meters from Mike Saul and Tim Gray.
Race 2 , GT got away on the first lap and had a clear lead. GB had a great race and missed out on the last run to Tim Gray and came 3rd.
Race 3, a much tighter race as some of the early leaders in the event had bad first beats and had to recover. Ben was doing really well before being entangled in the fleet. GT however, recovered from a 10th at the first mark to come home 3rd behind, Mike Saul and Martin Smith.
Lunch was well received and an excellent , cheap meal with loads of Cakes !
Race 4, Mike Saul lead for most of the race before going into a hole on the last beat and allowing GT through to win the race.
Race 5, the Budworth fleet were now all getting a grip of Staunton Harold as the wind had dropped and had started to swing. GT had the event in the bag but started badly and rounded 11/12. Down the first run there was confusion at the front as the leader Mike Saul headed to the wrong mark. GB had gybed off earlier despite a good position and was never seen again. Matt had the best position coming into the bottom mark and was inside everyone. For some reason he blew his chance for glory and decided to go behind everyone, blowing his race as 6 boats were outside him. Ben profited the most in the confusion which also allowed GT to recover into 2nd. Ben used the wind well up the next 2 legs to pull out a lead which he held to the end.
GT and Millie won the event with 6 points, Mike Saul 2nd on 9pts, Tim Gray 3rd, Martin Smith 4th— Ben 6th, Grame 7th, Matt 8th. .
Overall, an excellent venue, great racing and food, Just need a few more entries.
