Byte Open Meeting at Combs Sailing Club

Byte open meeting at Combs © John Saunders

Saturday morning did not look good for the Combs Sailing Club Byte Open. Rain fell steadily onto a windless lake as Louis Saunders and Rick Whitehouse flipped eggs and brewed tea for the assembled sailors.

Breakfast consumed, Louis talked to the assembled sailors about Byte sailing techniques. These hints where digested (along with seconds of bacon and egg) and the company moved outside into the dinghy park where Rick gave hints about boat rigging and legal weight saving. He particularly stressed the importance of lightweight ropes, odd really bearing in mind the quantity of breakfast just consumed!

A little wind sprang up as the rain eased and the boats took to the water for further training using the 'buddy system'. There where enough experienced Byte sailors to make this useful and informative.

It is unusual for an easterly wind to blow at Combs but that is what had now sprung up, not much but enough to texture the surface of the water.

Because of the unusual wind direction Race officer Peter Gardiner was able to set a course which utilised most of Combs Reservoir giving a surprisingly long beat on this comparatively small water. Louis Saunders was quick off the line and was seen to be leading as the fleet arrived at the distant windward mark. Louis managed to increase this lead, then maintain it over the remainder of the race. He was followed home by Rick and Eddie Pope.

There was now a break for more food, lasagne on this occasion. One has to get one's priorities right!

As the boats left the in race two line a quick hoot indicated that someone was over, in fact both Rick Whitehouse and Richard Aberstien both were! Rick looked back the starters hut in disbelief and that few seconds of disbelief cost him dear as Louis sped away. Back through the line they both went and set off in pursuit catching Angela Oakley first then Andy Sant and Eddie but unable to do anything about the now distant Louis who won by a clear margin from Rick and Eddie.

Race three began with the wind even lighter and conditions deteriorated from then on. Some of the marks were now in totally flat calm where the boats sat motionless. From the far side of the lake all we could hear was the cracking of battens as the competitors attempted to find a tack that might work. Eventually the tiniest breath began to ripple the glassy smooth water which was to the advantage of Rick and Richard. As they gathered almost imperceptible motion Louis was left sitting helpless in his own reflection. Things did not improve very much but all the boats found some means of propulsion and the Officer called it a day on one lap. Richard Abenstern won this race proving his light wind ability (not withstanding heavy ropes) with Eddie second and Rick third.

After racing the competitors retired to the local pub for a very good meal. bearing in mind the Byte is considered a boat for light weight sailors...they do seem to eat a lot. Perhaps today's Byte sailor is the Finn sailor of tomorrow?

Sunday morning dawned with the surrounding hills shrouded in mist. As the smell of bacon wafted from the clubhouse (more food) the sun began to break through and a breeze sprang up in a totally different direction from the previous day. Conditions did not look taxing however although the wind was set to increase.

In race four action was quite intense with the attractive boats well grouped on the lake. Rick was able to better challenge Louis this time and just managed to pip him into second place followed by Richard.

Race five once more saw Louis first to the line in the slightly increasing wind chased by Rick then Eddie.

Race six once again saw a win from Louis from Rick with Richard in third.

Despite early rain and light wind it proved to be an enjoyable weekend. Louis was pleased to beat his old rival Rick and revenge last year when Rick won! The remainder of the fleet declared them selves satisfied and newcomer Richard Abendstern was very pleased with his race win. at the end of the day he was showing considerable enthusiasm for the class.

The remaining food was devoured and everyone went home to sleep it off.

So, now to re-stock the galley and wait for next months Calshot Nationals. Hartley Boats (class builder) have a considerable number of boats on order and we expect to see a significant interest in the class next year.

Results:

1st Louis Saunders, Combs SC
2nd Rick Whitehouse, Combs SC
3rd Richard Abendstern, Toddbrook SC
4th Edwin Pope, Ogston SC
5th Andrew Sant, Combs SC
6th Angela Oakley, Haversham SC