What a weekend!
Arriving at Mylor on Thursday, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. A few lucky competitors had made it onto the water for a training sail, with the rest setting up their boats and scoping out the pre-race bacon rolls. Any pre-competition anxiety was short-lived. the fleet descended on nearby Flushing for drinks (courtesy of Richard Barker) and dinner at the local pub.
After kicking off the weekend with a brilliant social, it was time to get down to business. The weather on Friday was a good strong breeze and plenty of sunshine. With such a mixed and competitive fleet, it really was anyone competition for the winning. It was an exciting day of racing, with the the wind building into race two and dropping off towards the end of race three, testing the endurance and adaptability of the boats and crews. The races were very close, culminating in overall results of 1st place for Dave Hall, Heather Chipperfield and Emilie Hood, 2nd place Dave Gorringe and Giles Chipperfield and 3rd for Peter Kirby and Richard Barker. Having all recovered from a fairly intense day on the water, we were again treated to a brilliant meal at Castaways restaurant next to Mylor Yacht Club, organised once again by Richard.
Going into day two, saw a change of conditions arriving at Mylor to see a very beautiful, but very glassy sea state. On good information that the breeze would build into the afternoon, the race team made the decision to postpone for two hours. While this isn’t ideal even under normal circumstances, the pressure to get a good day of racing was on as we were joined by Ari who travelled all the way from Finland to watch the event, despite circumstances meaning he was unable to compete himself. After a walk along the coast and an admire of the Cornish scenery, the wind gods decided they were on our side, blowing in enough to get a full day of racing after all. The generosity of the Mylor race team meant Ari could join the ribs and get some of the best race photos I have seen for a while.
Day two saw more race winners – wins for Ian Robson and Sandy Johnson, Fraser Elms and Georgie Smith and another for Dave Gorrringe and Giles Chipperfield. These results did not affect the overall standings with Dave Hall, Heather Chipperfield and Emilie Hood leading the pack closely followed by Dave Gorringe and Giles Chipperfield (separated by only 2 points!), and Peter Kirkby and Richard Barker.
The evening’s entertainment was the `Championship Dinner at Mylor Yacht Club. Once again the meal was excellent, and the company was even better. I can honestly say that the K6 fleet is one of the most welcoming and engaging that I have come across. Irrespective of people or topics, I could be sure of a good conversation. The dinner wound up with an address from out going class captain, Peter Kirkby, thanking Heather and Richard and the Mylor Team for all their hard work in making the event run smoothly.
As we reached the third and final day of the Championship we were faced with another stunning but windless morning. With the clock ticking it was touch and go whether the fleet would get on the water to complete the final races. Thankfully, like the day before the wind came in around midday and, down to the excellent race team, the two final races were completed in time. With the competition so tight and the conditions so shifty, it was all to play for. Much like the day before, podium positions saw a win for Peter Kirkby and Richard Barker in race seven and a second place for Steve Liddell and Steve Dewberry in race eight. Overall the race for the top spot was rather faught as both Dave Hall and team and Dave Gorrige and team were trying to do the maths on the water to work out what was needed to claim the trophy. In the end, first place went to Dave Hall, Heather Chipperfield and Emilie Hood with Dave Gorringe and Giles Chipperfield second and Peter Kirkby and Richard Barker third.
After three days of exhilarating sailing, it was time to head home with many thinking that three days was not enough. The fleet had been truly spoilt by the scenery, facilities and Mylor Yacht Club’s hospitality and looks forward to a return.
Emilie Hood
Photos courtesy Ari Peltoniemi and Jeanette Ruberry