Banbury Sailing Club 

Contents

Comet Open 2006 Report

Saturday 30th September

                                Start of the first race

A warm fresh Southerly wind welcomed 12 visitors and 5 club boats to Boddington reservoir for the 8^th Comet Open at Banbury Sailing Club.

The visitors were surprised to see an island had appeared in the middle of the reservoir, this event having previously been held in May on a full reservoir. Despite this PDO, Stuart Allen, was still able to set challenging courses around the whole of the reservoir.

With Ian Coppenhall the winner of 5 out of the last 6 Opens at Banbury not competing it was left for brother Mark Coppenhall to lead the way in the first race. Mark was the clear winner from Alan Bennett with Brian Welham a strong third.

After a leisurely lunch and under darkening skies several boats decided to put in a reef for the second race. Just as the race was about to get underway the wind turned to the south east, forcing a delayed start for a new course to be set. It started to rain and the wind dropped. Despite the new conditions Mark Coppenhall again led the fleet home with this time Brian Welham second, Jennifer Lemmon third and Alan Bennett forth. Brian had a disastrous start in this race starting from the back and making his way up through the fleet.

Before the start of the third race the wind freshened somewhat, returned to southerly. The sun came out again and the safety boat crew put on their shades. With Mark Coppenhall unbeatable, with two first places in the bag, it was down to Alan Bennett and Brian Welham to battle it out for second and third. As they rounded the final mark they were neck and neck but Brian misread the finish line and was luffed up by Alan above the outer limit mark. As the rest of the fleet swept past Brian was stranded on the wrong side of the finish line – he subsequently retired at the finish.

Further down the field the event was closely contested with the 5^th, 6^th, 7^th and 8^th places all finishing on the same number of points. First Banbury boat home was Philip Eves in 12th place sailing in his first Comet Open.

We look forward to welcoming back the Comets next year and to perhaps even to someone beating the Coppenhall family.

Thanks to the duty crew ably led by Sailing Secretary Stuart Allen, the catering team who kept everybody fed and Norman behind the bar.  Without such helpers the day would not have been possible nor as enjoyable for everyone.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.

FULL RESULTS