The day started wet & cold with north easterly light airs, but this did not deter 16 Footy skippers from travelling from all over the district to take part in this event.
Well done to all starters! Unfortunately Les Baker's boat suffered a technical breakdown, so was placed in dry dock. However Les kindly offered his services as an official, which was gratefully accepted. Then Bill Letten who had worked tirelessly to get his boat up and sailing, found he had no rudder operation due to a radio fault, so sadly could not carry on: bad luck Bill. David Wilkinson with his new design also had technical problems with the rain so had to retire, followed by Richard Kirkham ,whose problem was unknown. Peter Grayson bowed out after the 4th race, although his American 'Carbon Footprint' design was going well and won the practice race. The remaining 11 skippers managed to carry on and complete 16 races with some very close finishes.
PRO Tony Lambert set a simple windward leeward course which took some time as there was very little wind at the windward mark. There was also the added interest of the local Swans that were having a territory dispute and some flying lessons for the young ones. During one countdown a chasing pair came through the starting line at much higher speed than the Footys!
Congratulations to Roger Stollery on coming 1st (left, above) with his Swing Rigged ANT, John Cadenhead 2nd (right, above) with conventionally rigged MICRON and Charles Smith 3rd with another ANT. Southwater Dabblers presented the winner with a beautiful carved wooden 'foot' to be known as the 'John Cadenhead Trophy' The prizewinners thanked Tony and everybody who took part and also all those who helped set up and then put away the buoys and other equipment. Southwater Dabblers look forward to seeing you all again. Visit http://dabblers.wikispaces.com/ for more information.
