Southern Area Championship Report, Results and Photos

Race 1 commenced in an ideal force 4 wind strength providing exhilarating reaches on the alternate triangle & sausage course set by race officer Phil Rust. Andy Hateley & Frank Nickless of South Staffs SC led for two laps from Richard Instone & James Goodfellow of Chase SC. In the final lap, Luke Shaw & Steve Parker of Budworth SC came through to be first over the finish line only to discover that both Shaw and Hateley were OCS handing first place to Instone and second place to Matt Mee & Andrew Brook of Hollingworth Lake SC. In race 2, Hateley started well and maintained the lead position throughout the race. Carl Jeffs & Jim Toothill of Trimpley SC came through to finish in second place, whilst Instone was forced to retire early to repair a blown out spinnaker.

On Sunday, the wind decreased to force 3 but sporadic gusts provided the opportunity to gain places in the advantageous wind shifts. In race 3, Jeffs was leading until both Instone and Hateley overtook him. With one race remaining, Instone was just one point ahead of Hateley. In race 4, Shaw dominated the lead with Hateley, Jeffs and Instone respectively in hot pursuit. Hateley maintained second place but Instone fought on to take third place and hence the Championship title by a whisker.

 1st       13815  Richard Instone & James Goodfellow   Chase SC

2nd      13810  Andy Hateley & Frank Nickless             South Staffs SC

3rd       13889  Carl Jeffs & Jim Toothill                        Trimpley SC

4th       13881  Luke Shaw & Steve Parker                     Budworth SC