The traditional Champagne Race started the racing season at Cookham Reach Sailing Club on Easter Monday and turned out to be an eventful day’s sailing for all those who competed.
The weather had turned very cold over the Easter weekend with north-easterly winds which were shifting and gusty (typical Cookham). The course was set by Race Officer and Commodore, Nick Reuter assisted by AODs James Long and Christine Roy. The course consisted of a middle B buoy on the bend taken to starboard followed by a D buoy taken to starboard near the dead tree on the Berkshire band and the top A buoy positioned in the middle of the river taken to port. The sailors then sailed down to the C buoy positioned just upstream of the club jetty taken to starboard. This bottom buoy caused issues for the sailors throughout the race as the wind had dropped due to the shadow created by the trees on the Buckinghamshire bank.
The seven competitors took to the water and started with Duncan Watts (LN 431), Gary Adshead (OK 1998), Andrew Boxer (OK 2196) and Martin Evans (LN 150) taking an early lead with James Hanrahan (LN 304) not far behind. Jerome Dreux (LN 155) had some problems early on the first lap and the gusty conditions took their toll and Mark and Daniel Hanrahan (GP 12005) capsized and spent the rest of the race slowed by the large amount of water the GP14 had taken on. Duncan led the fleet at the end of the first lap with a good 20 second lead ahead of Gary and Andrew who were closely matched just ahead of Martin. Duncan got into trouble at the top of the course on the second lap and Andrew Boxer took the lead with Gary and Martin just behind and Duncan chasing back. Gary took the lead on the third lap ahead of Andrew, Martin and Duncan with James trailing after a capsize. Andrew returned to the jetty on the fourth lap and retired after problems with his knee. Gary won the race ahead of Martin Evans with Duncan Watts third and Jerome fourth. On corrected times, Martin took the win ahead of Gary with Duncan third and Jerome fourth.
1 comment on Martin Evans wins first race of season
Comments are closed.