Over the weekend of 9 and 10 November a small but select group converged on NSC to enjoy the last open event of the year with visitors from the Midlands and the Eastern circuit.  The lesser spotted Andy Gregory was also tempted out for his first open of the year.

The first of the three races on Saturday started well for Ian Sullivan who led to the first mark but was soon passed by Will Guliver who sailed away for a clear win.  There was one lap too many for Sullivan who was passed by Gregory and John Wayling in the dying breeze.

Race two saw Adrian Padro come to the fore showing impressive speed in the light wind although he couldn’t hold off Guliver who took his second bullet.  Race officer Chris Bowen kept the sailors grey matter working setting his third different course of the day which was clearly an attempt of using every mark available to him during the day.  Padro made the best of conditions pulling clear of Gulliver to take the win with the consistent Gregory in third.

With the onset of dusk the fleet settled into the bar to do what phantom sailors do best whilst enjoying the company of the National 12 fleet who where sharing the event.

The fleet returned on Sunday to blue skies and another gentle breeze.  With much still riding on the two races a competitive start saw Sullivan and Guliver get to the first mark with Wayling, Padro and Mills in close attendance.  A bit of match racing between Padro and Gulliver let Wayling get past on the reach and he never looked back taking the win.  Guliver pulled away from Padro to take the event with a race to spare.

The last race of the day still had a kick in the tail as the all important 5th place was still to be decided.  Was it to be the absent Gregory doing the write up or could Sullivan secure 4th spot and avoid an evening infront of a keyboard.  Sullivan thought he had a good start pulling away from under Wayling and Guliver securing the cross from the left had side.  Unfortunately for him the right paid and Mills went round first followed by Padro.

The fleet stayed compact until the bottom mark where the beat back to the line was decisive.  The close pack went a little too close to the bank giving Sullivan the opportunity to stop for a while and take a close look at the aquatic plant life.  Having cleared his foils the fleet were long gone and any chance of avoiding writing to you went with it.

After an enjoyable event Padro secured second place just in front of Wayling.  Congratulations go to Matthew Pallet from Burton Sailing Club in winning the Mildland Travellers Circuit ahead of Padro and Sullivan.

Many thanks go to Chris Bowen and team for putting on the event along with the galley and bar staff who looked after the fleet off the water.

See you all next year.