Newbiggin by the Sea Sailing Club

Newbiggin by the Sea, Northumberland, NE64 6EG

The conditions were interesting with bright sunshine on both days and temperatures in the lower 20’s. There was lots of activity on in and under the water.

14 boats competed in the event from as far afield as Hallamshire, Berwick, Bassenthwaite and Tynemouth.

Racing on Saturday started on time on a good triangular course set out side of the bay in favourable weather conditions with a light wind of about a 2 from the South East.

On the first beat Chris and Al Fry were first to reach the windward mark, closely pursued by the second and third boats (Phil Gebhard/Amy Fayers and Neal Piper/Sue Wright). Phil did not give enough water at the mark, forcing Neal onto the mark, consequently he conceded to a 360 degree turn losing two places. Thereafter, Chris and Al Fry increased their lead fol-lowed by Dave Coady/Mary Buckland and Neil Piper/Sue Wright. Again, at the second Windward mark Phil Gebhard cut it fine and hit the mark and had to do turns again. The remaining race saw the fleet split into several small groups having in-teresting tussles and exchanging places frequently. The winners of the first race were Chris and Al Fry who maintained the lead from the start.

After a good breakfast on Sunday morning in the galley of sausage bacon eggs and beans we went out to sail the second race in a completely different set of conditions from the previous day. The wind was from the South East force 3 with a rising swell. Phil and Fay led the fleet to the first windward mark closely pursued by Chris and Al who quickly established an un-assailable lead and going on to win with Neal and Sue coming second and Phil and Fay third. There was good racing within the fleet.

After an excellent lunch conditions had deteriorated with a wind strength of force 4+ and Mountanious (Big) waves which promised an interesting third and final race and it was. First to the windward mark was Ian Henery and Amy Fayers closely followed by Dave Coady / Joe Brindle and Neal Piper / Sue Wright. Dave and Neal got passed Ian on a down wind leg and fought it out for the next two laps with Neal finally taking first place Dave second and Ian third. Racing on the down wind legs was very exhilarating especially when surfing down the big waves.

It was good to see some of our cadet members sailing over the weekend namely Amy and Fay Fayers and Graham Birch.

A good sail was had by all, thanks to all competitors and those who helped on the day to make this a splendid weekend. Two from three races to count, the final results were as follows:-