The third event of the 2009 circuit moved to a new venue for the 700s, Datchet Water SC, where a new fleet is taking shape nicely. After three days of champagne sailing conditions during the week the forecast was for a dying and flukey breeze and unfortunately that was exactly what was delivered. With the forecast for an even lighter breeze on Sunday the PRO sensibly scheduled four races on Saturday.

The fleet was a real mix of seasoned campaigners and newcomers to the fleet who had benefited from the recent Association coaching session the week before. The conditions provided a real challenge with even the experienced hands being challenged by some of the holes and shifts.

Jon Heissig continues to prove the class of the fleet at the moment taking five of the six wins. Jon didn’t have everything his way and was at times seen having to work hard back through the fleet to take the wins. Rob Jones continued to justify his elevation from the Silver fleet last year to provide the biggest challenge to Jon and taking a well deserved race win in race 5. Ian Nolan was a very consistent third in every race and has decided to buy some glasses as he continues to struggle to identify the right marks to round! Queen Mary Sailor Andrew Tomlins proved best of the rest and came very close to taking a win on the line in the final race while Local sailor Tom Wilson was a creditable fifth in his first 700 open and was often showing in the top 3 until inexperience resulted in errors. Tom’s confidence and capability was visibly improving throughout the event and he could soon be challenging on the circuit.

Our thanks go to DWSC for making the best of the conditions and providing some great race management. The circuit moves onto the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy over the 30th – 31st May to try out the new Olympic facilities.