Notherns - Ullswater 29th/30th May 2010

The first big open meeting of the season was held at Ullswater Yacht Club over the Bank Holiday weekend, May 29-31. And the boats were certainly big... it was a combined open event for the bigger boys of the racing world – the Tempest and the Flying Dutchman. They were joined for the event by the Flying Fifteen keelboat.

For the club, which was badly affected by the November floods and is currently having its clubhouse rebuilt, it was the first test of whether an open meeting could be run using the temporary accommodation which has been installed on the site.

After three days of successful racing in all conditions for a total of 15 boats, the verdict was that the club had passed the test. Five races were held on Saturday and Sunday with three to count and a separate island handicap race for all competitors, the full length of Ullswater, round an island and back, on Monday.

The Tempests were the biggest class with the home fleet boosted by three visitors. Ian Modral and his crew Robin Higgens of UYC won the weekend's event, and the trophy for the Northern Championships, with four first places out of five.

The Flying Dutchman fleet was made up of visitors with competitors coming from all over the country to take part. The overall winner, also with four firsts out of five races, were Toby Barsley-Dale and Gareth Russell of Paxton Lakes SC.

UYC sailor Dave Giles crewed by his son Tom was first overall in the Flying Fifteens.

Saturday brought light shifting easterly winds posing a course-setting challenge for race officer John Robson. The fleet finally got under way on a traditional Olympic course but the wind continued to play tricks and the race was shortened in a dying wind.

Race winners were UYC members Mike Adam and his son Paul in the Tempest, Toby Barsley-Dale and Gareth Russell in the Flying Dutchman and UYC team Ian and Pat Priestley, in the Flying Fifteen.

A change of location to the North, opposite the clubhouse, and lots of patience brought brisker conditions for race two when the wind finally picked up. In the Tempests it was a ding-dong battle all the way round the course between father and son Ian and Jonathan Modral. Winners were Ian Modral and Robin Higgens with Jonathan and Colin Meadows taking second. The Barsley-Dale/Gareth Russell team again won the Flying Dutchman and Dave and Tom Giles were first Flying Fifteen.

By Sunday the wind had swung round to a westerly and was stronger but still gusty and with the sun shining it was perfect sailing conditions for three exciting races.

In the Tempests, Ian Modral dominated by winning all three races. Behind him it was a close call with three different boats taking second places – Graham Donkin and Dave Lyons in race 3, Nick Stewardson and Ray Styles in race 4 and Jonathan Modral in race 5. With two seconds and a third to count, Jonathan took second place overall and Nick Stewardson was third just one point behind. The Barsley-Dale/Russell domination of the Flying Dutchman suffered just one blip on Sunday when Alex Rogers won race 4 and Dave and Tom Giles won all three Flying Fifteen races.

It was back to light frustrating winds on Monday for the ‘island’ race which was shortened by the race officer. Winners on handicap were Mike and Paul Adams. The competitors will have to wait until July 3 and 4 for another attempt to race the length of the lake when the Lord Birkett Trophy, the must-do sailing event of the North is held.

Overall Results: Tempest
1. Ian Modral and Robin Higgens (Ullswater YC) 3pts
2. Jonathan Modral and Colin Meadows (London Corinthian) 7pts
3. Nick Stewardson and Ray Styles (Ullswater YC) 8pts

Flying Dutchman
1. Toby Barsley-Dale and Gareth Russell (Paxton Lakes SC) 3pts
2. Alex Rogers and Strangler (Rutland SC) 5pts

Flying Fifteen
1. Dave and Tom Giles (Ullswater YC) 3pts

Island Race
1. Mike and Paul Adams, Tempest, (Ullswater YC)
2. Jonathan Modral and Colin Meadows, Tempest
3. Ian Modral and Robin Higgens, Tempest