Heron Open at Yeadon Sailing Club

To alleviate calender congestion in September and October, and give the fleet summer sailing, the open was moved to June. Unfortunately, summer decided to move as well.

Instead of a nice warm summer breeze we were given October sort of weather instead. This didn't put off the travellers though and we were very pleased and grateful to see five travelling boats. Even though the Club has had an influx of Mirrors in recent years only one turned up. Who switched to a Club Heron to join the other four Yeadon Herons, making a total of nine boats two with crew.

Race 1

After Patrick our OOD for the day gave an excellent race brief, there was some confusion over the part lap and as it turned out the first mark as well. The start siren was started and we were off... slowly as the wind had dropped and the rain arrived. The confusion as to which was the first mark continued on the water. The fleet split into two with David Butler and Emily in the lead closely followed by Peter and Rosie, Jim and Mike.

Some distance behind the Yeadon boats of Tony, Martin, Jon and Gair and from Huddersfield Mac in the second group. This remained so until the final lap when Tony managed to bridge the gap. Largely helped by a wind hole at mark number 5 that Peter and Rosie and Mike found themselves in. David and Emily finished first, Jim in second had to hold on as Tony nearly pipped him to the post. Mike fourth and Pete and Rosie fifth. Another photo finish between Martin and Mac with Gair not far behind. Still raining.

Race 2

After a fantastic Lunch by the catering team led By Glenis a big Thank you was given by all competitors. I think we could have let it continue all afternoon as the weather hadn't improved. Some did and why not. We were down to seven boats. A slightly improved course was taken down removing the tricky number 5. The force 3-4 didn't turn up until late in the race then vanished again. Once again David and Emily pulled away this time with Jon in close pursuit, Tony in Third. Jim having non of it worked his way up the fleet and clinched another second behind David and Emily. Tony was also looking at another third, but Jon had other ideas and cruised past to push Tony to a fourth.

Race 3

First and second place were decided, but third was up for grabs. All too much for Pete, Rosie and Mike who went for an early shower as the rain continued. Mac also stayed put in the clubhouse which did look inviting. Fair play to Jim, David and Emily who had nothing to play for starting the last race. This time Tony Got off to a Flyer, largely helped by Davids false start. The wind started to play tricks with unexpected gusts sweeping the racecourse. Tony fantastic start didn't last long. Just before he reached the first mark in fact he found himself in a hole and watched in disbelief as the usual suspects David, Emily and Jim whizzed passed with their own gust. Jim and David continued to battle it out, David and Emily eventually getting the upper hand.

Meanwhile a bit further back the three remaining Yeadon boats of Tony, Marin and Jon swapped places. It was an odd day with the constant threat of a storm, but instead we just got five second storms. One of which hit Jon unaware and over he went. Easy done. Martin nearly finished third as Tony was having great trouble holding him off. Great effort by Martin as it was his first sail of the season and has steadily being working his way up the fleet over the years. Jon carried on like a true sea fairer to finish, well done. Gair has since had his boat tuned and is presently looking forward to the Huddersfield open meeting.

Overall Results:

1st Emily and David Butler (Welton S.C.)
2nd Jim Robison (Huddersfield S.C.)
3rd Tony Dufton (Yeadon S.C.)

David, on behalf of us all, thanked Yeadon Sailing Club, Especially Patrick and the race team and once again Glenis and the hospitality team. Well done all those who took part.