West Oxfordshire S.C. Firely Open Meeting
A disappointing turnout for the Firefly open meeting saw 6 Club boats contest the event on the 11th/12th May. Tom Lonsdale crewed by Claire Postbeschild won all three races on Saturday and although pushed hard at times in all three races by Tony Thresher crewed by Eddie Baker always had the edge in the blustery conditions. Ben and Hugo Burrows, had a close battle with Alexander Baxter and Olivia Balour with Ben and Hugo holding their nerve to take three third places from Alexander and Olivia who had a capsize in race three allowing the fast improving Matt Preece and Johnny Howe into 4th place.
Sunday saw the wind go round to the North slightly allowing some slightly longer beats to be set in slightly less wind. With only two races scheduled Tom only had to finish in 5th or better in one race to win the event. Once again both races were hotly contested right through the fleet but this time Tony and Eddie managed to turn the tables on Tom and Claire winning both races by very small margins. Alexander and Olivia also got the better of Ben and Hugo and finished third in both races. Mention must also go to Ben Nicoll who crewing for Melannie Macgregor is fast becoming a sort after crew.
With no visitors entering the event this year the Club will be unlikely to hold an open next year but instead run a local team racing event.
Results
1st 4077 Tom Lonsdale/Claire Posbeschild
2nd4125 Tony Thresher/ Eddie Baker
3rd4114 Ben and Hugo Burrows
4th 2246 Alexander Baxter/Olivia Balfour
5th 4115 Matt Preece/Johnny Howe
6th 3958 Melannie MacGregor/ Ben Nicoll