HERON OPEN MEETING AT PRIORY SAILING CLUB 2ND SEPTEMBER 2017

The weather forecast was correct. It was warm and sunny all day with a temperature of 24 degrees but almost no wind.

Five visitors joined five Priory boats for sunbathing and a little sun bathing. None the less competition on the water was real, and rivalry old and new developed as the day continued.

The unexpected winners of the first race were two Priory juniors sailing Heron 10,000 with a genoa. Some of the grown ups complained about their restlessness in the boat – a rule 42 unfair propulsion challenge seemed inevitable. The second boat across the line was Tony Ogborn in Heron 10,300 sailing with a 79% genoa. Third was Heron 2310 with Nigel and Fiona Denchfield with the well known yellow sails and a small jib. Light wind sailing defied all the usual methods of analysis.

After a lunch time picnic on the balcony in the hot sun there was plenty of enthusiasm left for the final two races back to back. Now late arrival Matthew Picket got started and in spite of troublesome wind shifts, got in front of everyone else, finishing first in both races. We have all seen him win in all sorts of conditions, but still can’t quite work out how he does it.

Jon and Verna Hunt carved out first position in the crewed boat segment.

Priory Juniors Alexander Parsons and Vicky Murfin and single handed Joby Evans were each awarded junior prizes.

The usual happy relaxed atmosphere of Heron Open Meetings was maintained with much enjoyment of the day and the lunch and tea provided.

Heron sailing, therefore, seems to have a bright future judging by the enthusiasm of all who sailed or watched and helped to ensure the day was a big success.

Let’s do it all again soon.

Tony Ogborn

Heron 10,300

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

JUNIORS(U16)

Philip Parsons and Vicky Murfin 10,000 One race only

Alexander Parsons and Vicky Murfin 10,000 Two races

Joby Evans 9886 S/H Three races

SINGLE HANDED BOATS

Matthew Picket 9812 Two races 1st

Tonu Ogborn 10,300 Three races 2nd

Roger Stevenson 10,325 Three races 3rd