Beaver Winter Handicap Saturday 2 December 2006

The 2nd of 5 Winter TT events took place at Beaver S.C. near Doncaster on Saturday 2nd December. The weather forecast during the week varied enormously, but on the day, conditions were perfect - blue sky and 12-18 knot breeze. 16 boats entered, with visitors coming from 7 different clubs, including the North East, Liverpool, down to the Isle of Wight, making all the preparation worthwhile.

Two races were sailed in some unusually variable conditions for Beaver, so more tacking on the shifts was necessary to make good progress up-wind. Charles Watson from Halifax made best use of the conditions in the 1st race, winning by almost a full leg at the finish, followed by ex. National Champion John Postlethwaite, and Paul Smith from Beaver, with Bob Carter following, playing catch up after a mediocre start.

After a lunch break, the 2nd race was sailed in fresher conditions, and was again led by Watson, but this time he was pushed hard by 3 Beaver boats of Postlethwaite, Paul and Matt Smith, and also Steve Sawford.

After a hard fought battle, Postlethwaite came through to show he still has the magic touch after an 18 month lay-off, but more significantly, Matt Smith was similarly impressive to demote Watson into 3rd, with Sawford and Paul Smith taking 4th and 5th, close behind.

This meant that Postlethwaite took the meeting overall, with a fine 2,1 performance. The 3rd meeting will be held at Draycote in January.

For the full results, click here.