Flying Fifteen Open - 2024

Flying Fifteen Open - 1st-2nd June 2024

Great weather, warmth, sun and good winds ensured an enjoyable weekend sailing for all competitors at the Dovestone Open Meeting, the final event in the Northern Travellers Series. Bacon (and vegi) butties in the morning fuelled the competitors for the endeavours. 5 Races were programmed for the weekend. On Saturday the northerly breeze provided challenging beats for the length of the reservoir and good long return runs.

In the first race 3805 (Graham and Chris Massey), had a perfect start towards the port end of the line to lead at the first mark. Throughout the race they were gradually hauled in by 4005 (Andrew McKee and Rich Jones), who just managed to achieve an inside overlap at the last mark and snatch first place at the finish. 4065 (David McKee and Mal Hartland), came 3rd. 3332 (Tim Allen and Iain McNeill), scored a 4th followed by 3733 (Michael and Sarah Harris of B&FYC).

A prompt turnaround for the second race saw 4065 lead at the first mark from 4005, but after splitting gybes on the first run 4005 gained the lead to take another win. 3332 had another strong race to finish 2nd. The classics 2125 (Gavin Cassidy and Anne Webb), and 496 (Rod Rowlands and Alice Morris) did well and posted 5th and 6th places.

After a break for a substantial afternoon tea and scones, the final race on Saturday got under way. 3805 again started well, although they were chased down by 4005 and 4065. A tight finish at the line between 3732 (Ian and Val Hockey B&FYC), a second ahead of the silver 3332, resulted in a reversal of their positions on handicap.

The club volunteers provided a mouth-watering array of culinary delights all weekend. On the Saturday night we had a party with a great meal including a tagine with all the trimmings. This was followed by the “World Ice cube Curling Championships”. 7 teams fought out a spectacular competition that was eventually won by the scratch team “Happy Quimpers”, a team of DSC supporters at the recent FF Euro’s in Morgat.

Sunday dawned with more sun and more butties. The wind had shifted to the west and a new course was set that included two beats and 2 offwind spinnaker legs. In the 4th race 4065 lead to the first mark but, after various tactical manoeuvres by both boats, resulted in position changes. 4005 gained the lead and held this to the finish. 2125 continued their good form with a 4th place. 496 banked another 6th place.

The final race was a continuation of the story of the event with 4005 and 4065 battling it out at the front, again going in favour of 4005 who completed their clean sweep. 3805 had another strong race to finish 3rd followed by 3732. Close finishes meant that the boat handicaps came strongly in to play with good results for the classic and silver boats overall.

After a delicious lunch time spread of Fajitas and loaded nachos, the Open and Travellers series prizes were awarded.

Summary Results

1st	4005	Andy McKee/Rich Jones	Dovestone SC
2nd	4065	David McKee/Mal Hartland	Dovestone SC
3rd	3805	Graham Massey/Chris Massey	Dovestone SC
4th 1st Silver	3332	Tim Allen/Iain McNeill	Dovestone SC
5th 1st Classic	2681	Gavin Cassidy/Anne Webb	Dovestone SC

Full Results

Laser Open

Laser Open - Sunday 13th October 2024

Enjoy a days sailing in the picturesque location of Dovestone Reservoir.

Laser Open - Sunday 13th October 2013

The Dovestone Sailing Club Laser Open and the final event of the Northern Area Grand Prix Series, dawned wet and windy, which put off some of the competitors, but 20 boats made it to the start line. Ian Lees (Scammonden) took an early lead in what proved to be a shifty race. He left Ian Jones (Dovestone), Jack Hopkins (Delph), Neil Skellam (Leigh & Lowton), Greg Marshall (West Lancs) and Jonathan Swain (Carsington) battling it out, with plenty of place changing, but they eventually finished in that order.

Race 2 saw Ian Jones taking a definitive lead, but Jack Hopkins went through on the last run, leaving it all down to the last race. The rest of the field were some way back and finished with Graham MacWhirter (UKLA) in 3rd.

Greg Marshall led for the first lap of the final race, but was reeled in by Ian Jones. However a capsize and missed mark for the latter meant it landed up being a close race, but the win went to Ian Jones, with Jack Hopkins a close second. They took first and second overall with Ian Lees 3rd.