11 competitors came to the line for round 5 of the Dragon summer series , there were a few tired eyes as we were still getting over Italy beating us in the first round of the world cup , Disappointing I know but if Roy makes one change to the team we should go all the way, the player in question always seems assured his place in an England shirt, but this now has to change, his recent hair transplant has done nothing to improve his sluggish performance, and the plane awaits to take him home to Manchester despite his roots being in Liverpool/ Everton . Enough of all that and on to the main event which was hotly contested with some great performances  from different skippers made the racing both tense and exciting, from my calculations 5 different skippers each had a win, With Phil Harpham 44 finally coming out on top with 10 points from 8 races , early leader Bob Geary with a 2/1/3 in the first three races slipped a little as tiredness took hold, and Gordon Bennett sailing the race of his season finishing second , a superb performance that I am sure will give him the confidence to re-cut his jib ready for round 6, Chaz finally back after his recent trips also scored well but just faded towards the end of a very tiring morning. The wind was from the North and a good top suit breeze had place changing on the windward leeward course.

Round 5 Dragon summer series

picture of the recent Nationals at Keighley courtesy of Sue Brown

SERIES SO FAR RESULTS ARE POSTED

Mick Admin

A fantastic sun filled day with a super 10/12 knot breeze from the south east greeted 14 competitors who came to the line. A windward leeward course of two laps was set after the briefing which included a short talk on the rules and behaviour that was to be expected in the control area. This set the tone of the racing throughout the morning and behaviour was exemplary with rules being obeyed and turns being completed. Mick C 46 with his Britpop was determined from the outset to put some good scores on the board and in the first race secured the victory from a fine performance from Alan Newman 09 2nd place and Phil Harpham 101 coming home in third with his Stealth and brand new RMG sail winch. Bob Geary gaining a fourth and is counting down the days when his new Evo 3 hits the water . Race two again saw Mick C dominate but Martin L 131  came back strongly to get the second place and Phil again getting a third spot with some consistent sailing. Race three saw an end to the dominance with Martin posting a win with Mick in second and a brilliant performance gave Jenny H 169 third spot. The races continued with every race nip and tuck and it was pleasing to see everybody racing well and making some good tactical decisions on a tricky windward leg. This set of races has been the best we have had so far at Scotland Farm and a great attendance. Individuals can check out there results race by race below and will have an idea why they went well or not so well, and it should give some clear pointers at what needs to be done to improve for round six.

After the I.O.M races we had a cuppa and the 9 competitors brought their Dragons to line on a slightly shorter course and five fun races were sailed the competitive nature  was evident and some great scraps ensued , Both Jenny H and Roger B put their boats on the water for the first time, and I am sure enjoyed every minute of it . It was good practice in readiness for next weeks round which counts for the summer series ., There is a club boat but if you want to borrow for the races get you name in to Martin quick. Results below.

Mick Admin

The 1st June 2014 the sun shines and the wind has deserted us , we still raced drank tea had a chat talked about the new jetty , some of us almost fell asleep and forgot to go home !!!!!

Bobs new Baby , see all the happy faces after waiting all these months

Norman doing the scoring

Mick and Ivan getting ready to sort out the buoys

The short and the long , come down late and your in the long grass !!!!

watch out a gust is coming !!

This is quite hard work

The new jetty , and a barley bale Note the tide gauge and the windex , by the way that’s Bob ” no shorts today “

Mick Admin

A very good day for sitting drinking coffee but a shifting flukey wind varying from nothing to not much made sailing frustrating.
Results below.