Fat Face RS800 Event at Mayflower, 2-4 June 02 - Report

Fat Face RS800 Circuit � Mayflower SC, Plymouth 25 competitors braved the Jubilee bank holiday traffic to take part in the first solo RS800 event of the season. Mayflower SC boasts a large 800 fleet and this helped to swell the numbers. Day 1 saw the fleet sail out on two occasions to be met by a wall of fog. Racing was wisely cancelled as the fleet, grouped around the committee boat, lost sight of the shore. Day 2 gave us a boisterous Force 4-5. Race Officer, Dave Curno and his team, developed cast iron stomachs and set a course outside the breakwater. 6 ft rolling waves gave the fleet a rollercoaster ride downhill and one of the best sails of the year. Paul Jenkins and Colin Hatton showed the fleet how to do this wavey stuff with a convincing win over �Nam veteran Mike Lennon and Nikki Griffin keeping their eyes tightly shut in second. With the wind dropping and a confused sea developing, the fleet moved inside the breakwater for races 2 and 3. Geoff Carveth and Craig Davies in �Fat Face� found the flatter conditions more to their liking winning race 2. Lee Sydenham and Adam Brushett, having secured a 3rd in Race one, popped a second in the bag in race two. Of particular note was the performance of local boy Chris Hoppins and Tom Cload in �Bone Crusher�, who not only kept his crew in one piece but sailed an excellent race to finish 4th. Race 3 saw Weirwood pinups, Paul and Colin, get another 1st with Steve Irish and Martin Gotrel right up their chuffs in 2nd. Day 3 saw a lighter force 3 and racing held inside the breakwater for more flat water fun. As long as the water does not wobble, Geoff and Craig go very quickly and thus dominated the first race. Part time sailors Andy Postle and Lisa Foster in �AllSpars� showed what they can do with a 2nd. The final race gave victory to Steve Irish with Geoff in 2nd. Overall Results: 1. Geoff Carveth and Craig Davies � �Fat Face� 2. Paul Jenkins and Colin Hatton 3. Steve Irish and Martin Gotrel 4. Lee Sydenham and Adam Brushett � �The Snitch� 5. David Gamble and Martin Frary � �Bear Necessities� Full results under Results/RS800