Vane A Jack Roberts Trophy at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club
by Tony Wilson 6 Jul 12:07 UTC
21-22 June 2025
Vane A Jack Roberts Trophy, and Northern District, at Fleetwood © Tony Wilson
A light wind forecast for Saturday and challenging day for the four entrants, with the far bank having most of the action. It seemed that the lunch break showed the most promising increase of wind, but then it was back to the drifting exercise for the large boats with their biggest sails.
A decision to finish early was taken by all when the very little wind had totally vanished to nothing.
Sunday in contrast had plenty of wind around about 20MPH coming from our favourite westerly direction. With just the beats to be sailed as we were lacking a few goalkeepers or fast runners at the bridge end for the three boat entry.
With Olly sailing against Team Peter and Tony on the first beat, was the first to make his big mistake for a Blue flag penalty. This is when it looks pretty obvious that a collision could have been avoided. It's not always the case as different Skippers can have different perspective views and thoughts to whether the crossing boats will pass or collide on the occasion. With the Orange boat dithering a little, Olly took his chance, only this time to fail.
Robbie had had his bye, but was to sail next. A give away round as his boat was so far off the wind, allowing Tony and Peter the next 3 points also.
Olly then sailed Rob and by now his boat was flying, after an adjustment and an extra bit of Dremel work on his Vane gear in a short called break interval.
On to the second round and Robbie then made his fatal mistake in a hasty pole off by not judging the passing boat, for the second awarded Blue flag of the day, to award Peter and Tony another win. The first shortest leg to the far bank is usually the most critical, as boats have only been sailing a short while and usually patience pays off. There's always the rest of the lake to catch up.
Robbie's sail against Olly had better luck or more skilful adjustment aided by the Master of Vane sailing Derek and the exchange for a smaller sail in the short break.
A close for sailing was called for as we had managed well and kept dry, but all as equally tired from the transporting of the boats back up the lake to the start of each race,
Jack Roberts Trophy:
1 Peter Whiteside 11 pts
2 Robbie Mac 9pts
3 Olly Murray 8pts
4 Tony and Peter 7pts
Northern District:
1 Peter and Tony 9pts
2 Olly Murray 6pts
3 Robbie Mac 3 pts