Grafham Winter Handicap Sunday 9 March 2003

On Sunday 9 March the Dart 15 fleet visited Grafham for the final event of the winter series. The weather forecast was for strong winds. 20 made the trip, but some, as it turned out, just watched the sailing and the Grafham anemometer as a 45mph gust before racing commenced put a few off. As it turned out 12 signed on and the rest sat it out. Race Officer, Dave McClay set a square course for the first race but a number of the competitors were late for the start, which resulted in the race becoming somewhat processional. George Carter led from start to finish followed by Mark Aldridge and sprinter, William Tusting. Tusting maintained 3rd place from Erling Holmberg despite a quick capsize at the gybe mark.

The second race was more competitive. Mark Aldridge crossed the fleet with a cheeky port tack start and led the proceedings for the first lap, before George Carter overtook him at the leeward mark. Tusting and John Keyte followed until the unfortunate Keyte capsized and was taken to hospital with a suspected dislocated shoulder. Carter and Aldridge maintained first and second places but Holmberg clawed his way to third ahead of Tusting, Paul Craft and Gordon Goldstone.

The Dart 15 winter traveller series was concluded at Grafham on Sunday 9 March. All 5 events were sailed and 46 sailors took part and 13 qualified with 3 races completed. The events were at Stewartby, Beaver, Rutland, Queen Mary and Grafham.

George Carter retained the series with 1,1,1 from Paul Smith (1,2,2) and Stuart Snell (1,3,4).

The fleet now rest for a few weeks until the Summer Series kicks off at Marconi on 12/13 April.