Babbacombe
SC Open 16-17 October 2004
October 16th & 17th saw the MPS fleet
venturing into the Deep South West for the Babbacombe
SC open event. The travellers were rewarded with a picture
postcard venue and arguably the best sailing weekend
of the year.
Winds were predominantly offshore giving
smooth water but oscillatory windshifts and underlying
permanent wind bends. The occasional rainsquall threw
in brisk winds and shifts that could upset race officers
if they were not as chilled out as the Babbacombe crew.
 In
the first race Tim Chapman, in his new boat (GBR169),
read the conditions well to round the windward and (potentially)
leeward marks first with Richard Stenhouse (GBR131)
and Kit Stenhouse (GBR125) in hot pursuit. Unfortunately
Tim chose the wrong gate mark to round and potential
glory slipped through his fingers.
At the end of day one Sten was comfortable
with three firsts, but had showed some vulnerability
to the very quick Kit who had two seconds and a third.
Paul Clements and, local boy, Jaimie Stephens were tied
at third. Special attention should however be given
to the good performance during day one of Mark Pollard
in GBR104. This was his first Skiff event yet his good
upwind boatspeed was plain for all to see. After the
racing Sten imparted some wise advice that Mark put
to good use on day two.
A complimentary Chilli set the scene for
a competitive evening of Darts. It can be reported that
the boys beat the girls, but only just.
Jaimie Stevenson posted poor results in
race four and five, but had cleared out the cobwebs
by race six, when he led Sten throughout, except it
must be said at the finish. Mark Pollard was justifiably
pleased with 2nd 3rd and 4th while Paul Clements had
presentable results in two out of the three races.
The overall result was a win for Richard
Stenhouse, with Kit Stenhouse second and Paul Clements
third.
The event will be remembered for
the friendly atmosphere and wonderful scenery, which
gave a strong desire to return to Babbacombe next year.
With this in mind the sailors donated complimentary
Beer for the race officials and Club helpers.
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