Conwy Fife One Design 'A' Series Race 23 at Royal Anglesey Yacht Club

Howard Mattocks last race in 'Siglen' - Conwy Fife One Design 'A' Series Race 23 at Royal Anglesey © Ian Bradley

So, as the saying goes, all good things come to an end.

Sadly this was the final season for Howard Mattocks and number 7, Siglen. Having launched the boat after a complete rebuild in 1989 and sailed it until this season (I make that 33 years!!), Howard having decided its time to 'swallow the anchor' has sold her to Ian Mercer, who will be joining the fleet next season.

Over the years Howard and his crews, Leo, John and Georgie have won just about every trophy going and have always been there or there abouts in the mighty Siglen. Hopefully Howard will continue to be involved in the class in some shore bound way? He will certainly be missed on the water!

Thanks as always, due to those who enable us to sail week in and week out. Like all clubs we rely on a willing band of volunteers to support the on (and off) the water fun and games. Our Race Officers, who are often criticised for the wrong course, its either too long, too short, the wrong way or whatever, rarely are they praised. So thanks Nick & Garth, we love you really.

The unsung heroes on the line, Andrew (Biscuit Monitor), Val (Master Baker), Gunner Bob (World Class consumer of cakes) Roz & Leslie (Flag wavers extraordinaire) Caroline (Race Officers minder) and anybody else who I may have forgotten, thanks for sitting on the line in all weathers.

Guy, Arwel & Archie, we thank you for your support, advice, help and good humour in the launches.

Cliff, Cat, Megan & Charlotte, thanks for all the beer (other beverages are available), always served with a smile to the waiting hordes.

So after all that, onto the final race of the Season. With a healthy NE blowing and a Penmon bound tide, Nick set an X course of B8, Bangor Pier, Friars, B7, Nwy, B10.

With 40 (Alistair, and the men of Panache), 35 (Hugo & Bob) and 38 (Mike, Steve & Matt) Starting closest to the Anglesey shore took an early lead, however with the rest of the fleet starting in the middle of the line and on Starboard it was always going to be difficult for them to extract themselves for the shore, and so it proved with some close calls as they came out on port.

35 continued to lead as 38 and 40 faded, 5 (Andy & Pete), 1 (Martin, Catherine & Harry) and 41 (Family Yates) moved through the pack to round B8 in that order, with 15 (Tak & 'Yellow Jersey' Dave), 29 (Family Robinson, featuring Emily on downwind legs) 22 (Roger & Darren) and a rather weedy 42(Henry & Stuart) completing the pack. 24, who were trying a special 'low aspect' rig for the day decided it wasn't working and retired early.

The run to Bangor Pier saw 35 consolidate their lead to round first for the beat back to Friars. With clear wind and a favourable tide they pulled away from 5, 1 and 41 as the peloton saw minor place changes in the fluky wind before Gallows. 35 maintained her lead around Friars, with no change behind, the run to B7 saw 29 (with Emily at the helm) pass 15 & 38 as she sailed over the banks as they wallowed by the pier.

Not surprisingly 35 held on to take the Cannon on the by now shortened course, finishing ahead of 1,5,1 and 41. After that came 29, 15, 38, 40, and 42 for the final cannon of the season.

So after a long competitive season (eleven different winners in 22 races shows just how competitive it is!) the final placings are as follows...

Results:

1st. 1 - Sian - 33pts
2nd. 35 - Tarka - 44pts
3rd. 38 - Sard - 48pts
4th. 29 - Gitana - 54pts
5th. 5 - Thelma III - 75pts