Seven K6s entered the 61st “Birkett” contested over two all class handicap races around the entire length of Ullswater lake (approx 14 miles return).
Windguru said it would be windy and Ullswater did not disappoint. The Birkett teases you with a few years where the breeze might be OK on one day but not the other. This year was one of the special ones. It was fairly breezy at the club to start with so, when the Principal Race Officer informed competitors on Saturday that he had had a look down the lake and it was twice as windy(!) there were a few slightly worried expressions.
Of the 200 entrants, 150 took to the water and only 100 finished. It was brutal. Some of the gusts were in excess of 30 knots so helms and crews had their work cut out continually popping the sheets and cranking them back in again. Saturday night was spent exchanging tall tales, rehydrating and persuading hands and thighs that doing it all again the next day was a good idea. Sunday dawned looking a bit lighter, which it was briefly, before honking again for the duration.
Overall, first K6 home was K6 114 (Tony Harper and Steve Watson, NCSC) in 29th place, surviving a severe coming together with another participant. Tony and Steve were followed home in 31st place by K6 165 (Toby, Mark and Pauline Woodings, Carsington SC). Third K6 home was K6 163 (Chris and Tom Betts, Glenridding SC). Tony and Steve were not the only casualties Eddie Waring (K6 119) and Peter McLaren (K6 193) had rudder related failures and were forced to retire.
Full K6 results appear below and qualify for the K6 Travellers’ Trophy 2023. Full Lord Birkett Trophy results are available here
Birkett pictures courtesy Tim Olin Photography … spot the K6 on the start line!
