| Denzil Williams and Steph Bridge win BKSA Exmouth Racing |
| Wednesday, 02 July 2008 16:11 |
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26 competitors registered for Round 2 of the BKSA at Exmouth. There were 12 seniors, 7 Men, 5 Ladies and 2 juniors all were given a numbered rash vest for the weekend. Competitors from far and wide with the Whitley’s from Manchester making the trip! Skippers brief at 10am on Saturday was given by race director Spud (steph’s Dad) where many competitors were introduced to the course race format for the day. For many this was pretty daunting with new terminology, strange drawings, flags, stop watches etc. The racing took place on the south side of pole sands in a variable westerly wind with many onlookers on the seafront fascinated by the spectacle. The first race kicked off just as the breeze dropped, which meant that only 4 competitors actually crossed the Start line! This race was won by Steph Bridge (North) followed by Denzil Williams (Fone) Pete Whitley and then Ollie Bridge aged 10 came in 4th place on the trusty North Phantom board. Race Two and Three the course was shifted to introduce a simpler format, this involved across the wind racing. A minor entanglement with Steph Bridge & Denzil Williams – much to the amusement of the other competitors allowed Steph’s son Ollie to take 1st place position! Race 3 followed a similar across the wind format which was won by Denzil Williams, Steph Bridge 2nd and Junior Freestyle Leader Jack Shoulder 3rd. The final & 4th Race of the day was held in more wind, this was won by Steph Bridge, Denzil 2nd and Pete Whitley coming in a respectable 3rd using a proper course board. All exhausted by 5pm the tide was going and the racing was called off. This first day had been a real experience for many and although some had done their fair share of deep-water pack down’s, everyone was getting something out of it. The Grove was the initial meeting place with Cold beer, steaks and a good chance to catch up with the crew running the BKSA Junior event on the Duck pond. BKSA coaches Christian and Karine who had a group of 5 youngsters for the weekend were running this. The day had been a superb success with Sam Moore nailing slims and other’s ticking box’s off in the book of tricks. On Sunday the wind teased allowing the first race start in a light southwesterly. A close battle was fought again for Race 5 & this time it was won by Denzil Williams. Chairman, Richard Gowers made it out to the racecourse but along with many struggled due to a massive wind shift on the first leg. Race 6 on Sunday was sailed in the best breeze. A cracking start by all and a strengthening wind allowed for some exciting racing. Jack Shoulder was battling it out with Ollie for 4th &5th places while Richard Thompson created a fair amount of havoc with the hydrofoil. BKSA Chairman Richard Gowers decided to give it a go and borrowed a 14mtr rhino and big Eric’s Race board (the ironing board) and was seen also at the top end of the fleet coming in 3rd. A mistake by Steph at the Gybe mark cost her the race and again was beaten by Denzil Williams. Results Mens 1st Denzil Williams Ladies 1st Steph Bridge Seniors Juniors 1st Jack Shoulder Source: BKSA |
