2009 Open Events

Kestrel National Championships 1st - 4th August 2009

A fleet of 18 Kestrel dinghies came to Filey Sailing Club for their 2009 National Championships, arriving on Friday afternoon and competing from Saturday to Tuesday over 7 races in what turned out to be quite a windy event for the fleet.

The fleet battled it out in wind strengths ranging from 15 to 21 mph on the last 2 of the 4 days which made out for some demanding sailing conditions. All of the 18 boats ventured out for all their 7 races, no one being deterred from what proved to be relatively demanding conditions overall.

The fleet of 18 boats travelled from north and south and has thoroughly enjoyed their stay and championships in Filey, vowing to return back again in 2012. It seems that all the fleets who choose Filey SC as their championship venues go away happy and keen to return in the future.

Filey Sailing Club consistently attracts quality fleets to this un-spoilt venue. The Club is ably assisted by the natural beauty and friendliness of this popular seaside town. Events of this calibre can only be held with the support of the local town and borough council –which is much appreciated by the Arndale based club.

On the water Race Officer Peter Crooks was amiably supported by his assistant Phil Trafford as the duo presided over the 7 race series. Off the water Filey SC looked after the competitors and their families and friends throughout the days and evenings with hospitality in abundance. Filey SC Commodore Paul Tyndall organised the event overall and heaped praise and thanks to those club stalwarts that run these events on a voluntary basis which is the only way events such as these can take place.

The overall winners of the 7 race series was Dusty Miller & John Hellingham from Lakeside SC who won 6 of the 7 races displaying consistent sailing on the sea. In 2nd place brothers from Scotland Stewart and Dave Murdoch with brothers Paul & James Jarvey just missing out on the 2nd place.

Full results available on www.fileysc.org.uk.

Report By Paul Tyndall

Craftinsure Filey Regatta 2009

STOP PRESS

Craftinsure Regatta – 18th & 19th July 2009

100 boats entered the 2009 event at Filey Sailing Club, a lower turnout than would normally take part, however, taking the weather forecast into account for the days preceding the event – a 100 boat entry proved to actually be an excellent turnout and proves the popularity of this North based sailing club, and the reputation that the Craft Insure Filey Regatta holds.

On Friday, Filey was subjected to a deluge of rain, strong winds, fog and brought back thoughts and memories of 2007’s forced cancellation.

However, the rain blew through, the fog and mist lifted and though a little dull the event commenced with boats arriving on Friday evening and constantly throughout Saturday morning, this despite an inshore weather forecast predicting wind on Saturday of F5 to F7 with possibilities of gusts at F8 early on.

Those that didn’t travel actually missed out on great wind and exciting waves throughout the 2 day event. On Saturday the race officers ran 2 courses, a reverse ‘P’ and a windward/leeward course for asymmetrics. On the ‘P’ course, 6 classes had their own start along with a general handicap fleet of mixed entries. The windward leeward course was set further out to sea in Filey bay and a fleet of 9 RS 200’s accompanied the general handicap fleet. The ‘P’ course sailed 4 races over the weekend whilst the windward leeward fleets battled out over 6 races.

On Saturday wind strength was in the region of 15 – 17 mph from the north, north west, with some stronger gusts and challenging waves building up in the swell. Overnight the wind strength decreased to a more manageable 12 – 14 mph and the direction shifted to a southerly, south west direction which calmed the sea down considerably still providing exciting conditions for the traveling sailors though not testing either the helms or their kit as had happened the previous day.

A handful of Filey helms entered the event, notable Filey results were on the windward leeward course with James Whitehead of Primrose valley winning the general handicap fleet, and Filey’s Colin Aldred taking 4th place on the same course – both helmsman sailing Laser Vortex dinghies.

The guests were hosted well by Filey SC and on Sunday the Regatta prize giving was held on the recently completed decking balcony. Filey Commodore – Paul Tyndall closing the event and acting as master of ceremonies with Mayor of Filey, Councilor Sam Cross presenting the trophies to the successful winners.

A new trophy was awarded this year, The Filey Town Council ‘Tide Clock’ – a new initiative supported by the town council and developed by Filey members, Chris Place and Helen Rhodes. A brass tide clock mounted on a light oak plinth and this trophy is presented each year to the sailing club that has the most number of entrants in Filey Regatta

The winning club was Beaver Sailing Club which is near Snaith in East Yorkshire who had 12 boats entering in various fleets. A group photograph was taken of various Beaver SC members and with Commodore Tyndall and Mayor Cross.

During the prize giving Commodore Tyndall gave thanks to Filey’s members who run this annual event. An event of this size is remarkable from a relatively small club. The club receives much help and support from individuals who support by bringing their safety craft and thanks must also be given to Regatta sponsors, Craft Insure who worked closely with the event team and supported the event.

Photographs by Polly Robinson