Sunday 23rd January saw the 6th running of Draycote Water Sailing Club’s Interfleet Championships, this year generously sponsored by Land Rover.
As the day approached, it was clear that strong winds would be the order of the day, predicted to be accompanied by rain. A windy weather plan was adopted which saw Warwick University’s Fireflies replaced by the Club’s 6 Lasers with radial rigs. These were joined by Rugby School’s Vagos (reefed after the first race) and the Club’s Picos and beginner’s windsurfers.
6 of each of these boats were used, with each of the Club’s six fleets taking a boat each in each race. The masthead rule saw many forced to retire, particularly in the morning races when gusts of 30 knots were recorded. The wind did not really decrease in the afternoon, but the competitor’s ability to cope with the conditions in unfamiliar boats improved.
The Solo fleet put down an early marker with wins in the first two races, sailed in Vagos and Picos. They were fielding a very strong team, which included fleet superstars Jon Clarke, Richard Pye and Nigel Davies. A capsize in race 3, when leading up the final beat, saw their lead decreased, and they shared the overall lead with the Menagerie fleet after race 4, but after that they steadily drew away.
After the event was finished, with 23 races having been run, the Solos, on 58 points had a commanding lead over the Laser Fleet on 79 points, with Menagerie only just behind on 80 points.
But this event is definitely not just about the winning. It is the club’s most active day of the year, with all ages and abilities competing in equal boats. The Youth & Junior fleet may have finished last, but they had a great deal of fun and coped superbly with some ferocious conditions. They were each, deservedly, awarded medals at the prize giving.
It’s not even just about sailing, as magicians, jugglers and face painters entertained those who weren’t on the water.
And the rain – well it arrived, but just after we had finished and the bar was open.
Let’s hope that next year we have the sun back!
Jeremy Atkins
