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Comet Open Meeting held at Banbury Sailing Club A light Easterly wind welcomed 13 visitors and 5 Banbury sailors to Boddington reservoir. The duty officer, Vic Gyselvnck, tried hard to set challenging courses throughout the day; never an easy task here when the wind is from the East. With the prospect of the wind dying in the afternoon the duty officer announced that the first two races would be run back-to-back. . The
first race got underway promptly at 11.00 with 17 starters; Henry Jaggers
failed to make the start having been delayed in his journey up from Beer in Devon. Banbury comet fleet stalwart Mike Peel was keen to start
but was adjudged to be over the line and lost valuable places restarting. By
the first mark Mark Coppenhall (427) was already clear of Alan Bennett (620)
followed by Brian Herring (730) and Chris Robinson (63). As the race
progressed Mark and Alan extended their lead with Chris overtaking Brian. The
back-markers were pleased to see the shortened course flag appear, otherwise
many would have been lapped by the leaders. The second race started under darkening skies with the threat of rain. Brian Welham (711) got a good start followed by Mark Coppenhall (427), Clive Chapman (704) and Ros Stevenson (820). Alan Bennett (620) made his way up through the field finishing third behind Mark and Brian but ahead of Clive. After a hearty Banbury lunch the sun came out but the wind strength and direction did not improve. In a closely contested race, Alan Bennett (620) succeeded in overtaking Mark Coppenhall (427) to secure first place in the race and second overall. Brian Herring (730) took third place in the race and third place overall by beating both Brian Welham (711) and Clive Chapman (704). First lady was Ros Stevenson (820) and first Banbury boat was Jane Mayhew (218).
We look forward to welcoming back the Comets next year and to perhaps even to someone beating the Coppenhall family. Thanks to everyone who helped on the day with organising the racing, running the bar and providing the food and especially to the competitors who travelled from all over the country.
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