A fantastic turn out of 58 Helms braved some difficult driving conditions, to be rewarded with some wonderful winter sailing.

On the water, the sun shone brightly, and with enough wind to make you do some work, but not so much that an icy dip was a worry, the fleet had conditions a lot more enjoyable than in 2009!

Three races of abput 45 mins each, held back to back with short turnarounds, very well managed by race officer Dave Philpott, contributed to keeping the fleet warm

A port end bias led to the first recall, and an overeager fleet was the culprit for the second, before the black flag made its appearance and calmed everything down. The beats were difficult to read, with the wind seemingly tracking left, with the occasional shift to the right. It was very easy to get it all very wrong! However Jim Hunt proved able to master the conditions winning Races 1 and 3, whilst Andy Davis took the bullet in race 2.

With Jim retaining the title for the second year, the runners up spot was decided on a tie break, with Andy just pushing Charlie Cumbley into third.

The event was also the first qualifier for the new Veterans and Grand Master Series which will run thoughout the year with Championships results counting for the Series.

The prize giving also included the presentation of a Sunto Watch, kindly donated by Mick Hyde, for the best over 60's sailor in 2009, to John Webster of Carsington SC.

The Class would like to thank Grafham and their team for a superb day, and we look forward to returning next year.

by Mike Ball

RESULTS

1st Jim Hunt Sutton SC
2nd Andy Davis Chase SC
3rd Charlie Cumbley Teign Corinthian YC
4th Paul Rayson Fishers Green
5th Simon Corper Salcombe YC
6th Stuart Hydon Shustoke SC
7th Kevan Gibb
8th Rob Gardner NCSC
9th Neil Wilkinson Shustoke SC
10th David McGregor Hayling Island SC

Team Prize Shustoke SC - Stuart Hydon, Neil Wilkinson, Simon Potts

Veterans

1st Richard Willetts Burghfield SC
2nd Mike Gray Fishers Green SC
3rd Stephen Chiverton Hayling Island SC

Grand Masters

1st Tony Hanan Chelmarsh SC
2nd Ray Collins Locks SC
3rd Mike Wilkie Littleton