K1 End of Season Trophy at Broxbourne Sailing Club

K1 End of Season Trophy at Broxbourne © Siobhan Laming

Saturday 29th October 2022 saw the final event in this year's busy schedule for the travellers series. This year's series saw the K1 helms visiting Loch Lomond and Windermere in the north, Royal Torbay and Wimbleball in the south, and a number of venues in between.

Broxbourne laid on a mini heatwave and fickle winds for the ten visitors who travelled to join the local fleet. There were competitors who had travelled from Torbay and Burton to take part.

The first race of three was delayed until the wind filled, veering from an easterly to settle as a shifty southerly, as a weather system moved north over the country. The race officer set a course to include two beats, two dead runs and a short reach and a rescue boat acted as a pathfinder for the fleet.

K1 End of Season Trophy at Broxbourne - photo © Siobhan Laming

Despite this assistance a third of the fleet sailed towards the wrong windward mark. There was much muttering about sun in the eyes, as the mercury was surging into the 20's by this time. Nevertheless, a pattern emerged as Jeremy Hudson from Frensham SC established an early and commanding lead. He appeared to have boat speed to burn and used this to good effect. Only Angelo Russo from the home club could survive in his wake to take second place followed by the two of the King brothers in third and fourth.

After a relaxing sunny lunchbreak on the outside patio area, we took to the water for two final races. The wind had by then filled and steadied, so jib poles could be deployed to some effect on the downwind legs.

Race two saw everyone finding the correct marks in order, Jeremy Hudson led away again initially chased by Garry Phare, but Angelo forced his way past to secure another second place. He was sailing very well. At the end Ian Duke had fought up to third in front of the Tewkesbury King. There were tight battles throughout the fleet.

K1 End of Season Trophy at Broxbourne - photo © Siobhan Laming

Race three saw Jeremy in the lead again, but after the first lap, with two bullets in his pocket, he headed for the showers and Ian Duke inherited the lead. A race long tussle followed for this lead with Pip Hudson, but Ian was able to hold on. Garry Phare stayed a secure third throughout and your scribe finally managed to get his act together and find away through all three Kings to fourth. Angelo was not so fortunate, in his efforts to find a way through got entangled with a mark and retired.

The day rounded off with a prize-giving for both the Broxbourne end of season open and the K1 Travellers trophy, which went to Jeremy also, he has had a great season. There were spot prizes to be had also, all provided by Ovington's, our builder. Conditions on the water were testing at times, but the K1 fleet always ends the day with some banter and a big smile, it is great to be a part of it.

Overall Results: