Prestart manoeuvring at the Wash Challenge trophy 2007

On October 7^th team Hykeham travelled to Ouse Amateur Sailing Club to compete for the annual Wash Rivers challenge trophy. This is an inter club event for teams of three boats and is open to any club with a vague connection with the Wash.
The Hykeham team comprised Sam Mason and Sally Smith in an Albacore, Jim Donald in a Solo and Steve and Joanne Sallis in a National 12.

On arrival at Saddlebow the team was greeted by the friendly hospitality of the OASC and also a complete lack of wind. The race officer set a deadline of 2pm by which time the racing would be cancelled if the wind hadn’t filled in. With luck, at about 1:30pm, a few ripples appeared on the water and it was decided to go ahead with 2 races, both to count.

In race 1 it was team Hykeham who took control with Jim in the Solo taking the early lead followed closely by Steve and Joanne in the National 12 with Sam and Sally doing battle in amongst the Streakers. By the finish Steve and Joanne had overhauled Jim to finish first on the water with Sam and Sally pulling through to third. On corrected time Jim took the win from Steve and Joanne.

In race 2 Steve and Joanne (N12) took the early lead ahead of Jim (Solo) with Sam and Sally (Albacore) in third, battling with the chasing fleet and working hard to protect the team Hykeham lead; not, of course, in an aggressive or ungentlemanly manner, as although this is a team event, “team racing” tactics are frowned upon and not considered in the spirit of the event.  By the finish Steve and Joanne had stretched out a lead and Sam and Sally had also caught Jim to take second on the water. On corrected time Jim was 1st, Steve and Joanne 2^nd and Sam and Sally 3^rd.

Winners of the Wash Challenge trophy were Hykeham sailing club (L to R Sally Smith, Sam Mason, Jim Donald, Joanne Sallis and Steve Sallis)

With the results calculated the prize giving took place on the club lawn with the individual trophy being awarded to Jim Donald. Joanne Sallis collected the team trophy on behalf of Hykeham Sailing Club.

Results

Team event

1^st Hykeham Sailing Club

2^nd Ouse Amateur Sailing Club

3^rd Welland Sailing Club

Individual event

1^st Jim Donald – Solo 4709

2^nd Steve & Joanne Sallis - N12 3436

3^rd Sam Mason & Sally Smith - Albacore 1749