Stewartby Winter Handicap 13th November 1999

Location: Stewartby Water Sports Club

Saturday 13 November saw the kick off of the new winter series of the Dart 15s at Stewartby Watersports and Sailing Club. There was a queue of 10 travelers at the gate before the locals turned up, but they were soon joined by the organisers and the local contingent.

The mist cleared to a light North Easterly breeze and the race officers (Nev & Steve) set a figure of eight course to make the most of the lake and the wind. Both Beaver boats were OCS for the start leaving Grafham sailors Bob Carter & Chris Black to lead the way. As the race developed the Beaver contingent got into gear and Paul Smith, finding the light wind to his liking, took the lead after 2 laps and was never to be threatened. R Carter hung on for 2nd from George Carter and Black. Gordon Goldstone just managed to keep Phillip Howden down in sixth place.

By the second race the wind had freshened a little and a square course was set. Robin Hall was first to the windward mark closely followed by G Carter, Smith and Rod Dangerfield. G Carter took the lead on the first downwind section followed by Smith and R Carter. Dangerfield was in hot pursuit ahead of new comer, Dave Holyoak. Black got back to forth place in the closing stages but was half a lap behind the leading trio of G Carter, Smith & R Carter.

Thus in the final analysis the Beaver pair of Smith and G Carter took 1 & 2 on the day demoting the leading Grafham sailors of R Carter and Black to 3 & 4. All competitors won a crate of Stella beer and the food and hospitality was one of the best on the circuit.

The travelers series now move on to Beaver on 4 December.

Furthest travelers: J Kiddle & C Stafford (Seasalter)