Commodore’s Cup goes to Prior

Sunday saw two races to conclude Welland Yacht Club’s Commodore’s Points series of six.

Once again the sailors were met with some testing conditions with the wind gusty and variable at times and they also had to contend with the rafts of floating weed that were making their way down river from the cut further upstream.
Eight boats came to the line for race one and with the wind blowing straight down the river and with a lump of weed right on the start line it was going to be a tricky start.
Keiron Powell, in the full rig Laser, was first away, followed by Andy Prior and Alan Chapman both in the full rig Laser. Starting on the longer port tack end of the line, Chapman had to give way to Prior letting him through into a clear second.
Between Shellys Bush Corner and Chilvers Corner, Prior gained the lead but Powell and Mark Scourfield had a coming together as the weed had impacted the boat handling and they drifted back in the gusty conditions prompting Powell to retire.
Others were having major problems as well but once around the corner Prior was away on a very tight reach followed by Scourfield to no.4 buoy where a gybe awaited the boats and this caused a number of boats rounding issues.
Broad reach back and Prior pulled further away followed by Scourfield, Chapman, Alistair Mitchell in the Radial rig, Sandor Kecskemeti also in the Radial Laser, Eric Murray in the Mirror and Izzy Herring in the Topper.
Chapman tasted the Welland water allowing Mitchell through as the run with wind behind caused trouble for many.
Prior took line honours and first place on corrected time, with Scourfield second, Mitchell third, Chapman fourth, Murray in fifth and Kecskemeti in sixth.
The wind remained gusty and black clouds around showed what was to come during race two for the seven boats.
Once again the start was just won by Prior, closely followed by Chapman, Herring, showing no fear crossing in third, Mitchell next and Scourfield, once again in the reed bed before the start, it was Kecskemeti next across the line, followed by Murray.
The tacking once again was close and the gusts and weed were a constant problem.
Prior was away and rounded Chilvers Corner first, followed by Scourfield and Chapman.
The course had changed and Prior rounded first well in the lead, Scourfield second but he had failed to amend to the change and had to re-round which allowed Chapman through for the reach and run back for the second lap.
During the second lap, Chapman increased his lead as a squall had hit both Scourfield, who was once again blown into the reeds, and Mitchell, capsizing right next to him. Both, with help from the safety boat, were able to rejoin the race.
On the turn at Chilvers Corner, Chapman, well in second place once again was swimming whilst trying to clear weed from the rudder allowing Scourfield into second place.
Finishing order was Prior, Scourfield, Chapman, Mitchell, Kecskemeti, Herring and Murray.
Special mention must go to Herring for completing the race in difficult conditions, enduring a number of capsizes along with Sandor Kecskemeti and Alan Cox on the safety boat who had a busy afternoon.
Overall result: Prior wins the Commodore’s Cup, with Mark Holland second and Alan Chapman third.
qAnyone wanting to find out more about sailing can contact the club via email secretary@wellandyachtclub.co.uk