HD Sails Streaker Southern Paddle Open Meeting at Burghfield Sailing Club
The HD Sails Streaker Southern Paddle open meeting took place at Burghfield sailing Club on 14th September 2024. A Burghfield boat secured victory in a highly competitive event that saw a three-way tie for first place. The day featured three well-managed races with challenging conditions and tight competition.
Under blue skies and warm sunshine, Streaker sailors enjoyed a warm south-westerly breeze of 10-15 knots. The Race Officer set a testing course with tricky wind shifts, making it crucial for sailors to judge well and maintain good speed.
In the first race, Veronica Falat led initially but was overtaken by Stephen Dickinson and Simon Gillow. After intense downwind battles, Stephen emerged victorious, with Simon in second and Peter Blackman in third.
After a lunch break, the fleet raced two more back-to-back races. Veronica, Simon, and Stephen continued to dominate the top positions in race two, with Veronica clinching first place. The third and final race saw a last-minute wind shift and intense competition at the finish line.
After applying the discard, a three-way tie for first place between Simon Gillow, Veronica Falat, and Stephen Dickinson required RRS A8.1 & A8.2 to determine the winner. Ultimately, Stephen took first place, Simon second, and Veronica third. Peter Blackman secured fourth place.
Burghfield sailing Club did an excellent job hosting the event, providing well-managed races and hospitality. The top finishers displayed skill and determination in the challenging conditions, making for an exciting day of racing.
Overall Results:
1. Stephen Dickinson – Burghfield SC
2. Simon Gillow – Chipstead SC
3. Veronica Falat – Waveny & Oulton Broad SC
4. Peter Blackman – Burghfield SC
5. Mark Langston – Waveny & Oulton Broad SC
6. Simon Beddows – Burghfield SC
7. Christopher Smith – Island Barn Reservoir SC
8. Peter Russell – Burghfield SC
9. Chris Webb – Burghfield SC
10. Julian Wigmore – Burghfield SC
11. Darren Andrews – Burghfield SC
Source
Sarah Mitchell, an experienced sailor and marine journalist from Sydney, has nurtured a love for the ocean throughout her life. After earning a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Sydney, Sarah quickly made a name for herself with her compelling and vivid storytelling. Her work captures the thrill of sailing and the unique culture of maritime life, making her a respected figure in the sailing community. Outside of writing, Sarah spends her time exploring Australia’s stunning coastlines and competing in local regattas, always on the lookout for her next great adventure.