Rob Creek Trophy - Sunday 5th April 2009

The first day of the 2009 sailing season at Welland Yacht Club saw a brilliant turnout of 15 boats.

With everyone having made improvements, either to their boat handling skills with winter practice, or by upgrading their boats and racing kit. All members have been eagerly awaiting the Robert creek shield.

The weather was, as forecast, very sunny with pleasant temperatures, but lacking in any consistent wind, sometimes lacking in any wind at all. The ever confusing wind did not stop 2006 winner Simon Hastings from having a great start to the season and claiming the title again. The battle for the front was only ever between Andy & charlotte Prior in their National 12 and Hastings in his Solo. In each race the Priors managed to pull out in front, taking advantage of their faster boat and getting some clean air, but it was only in race 3 that they managed to put enough time between themselves and Hastings to take the race win.

The fight for 3rd place was hotly contested by Robin Wilson (Europe), Neal Tack (Solo), Adam Wilson (OK) and Tim & Nicky Wilson (Enterprise). At the end of the day these 3 were only separated by a single point each, and the final result was Tack 3rd.

It was encouraging to see places being interchanged all the way down the fleet between Martin Cook (Solo), Tom Bell (Laser Radial) and Emma Flowers (Laser Radial); despite finding the weather conditions not in their favour. All 3 were engrossed in a fierce competition between themselves. Also a bit of family rivalry between Kevin Broughton and his son Stuart ended in Kevin winning the day. Furthermore, Sam and Danny Nundy proved they may be ones to watch as they started to get to grips with their new boat.

The first day of the season was very successful and the club was clearly benefiting from all the improvements made during the "Off season". It was not just the river that was so busy; many non-sailing members turned up to take advantage of the new patio & decking area that has been installed to improve viewing facilities.
With such a high level of competition on the water, and so many boats taking part, the rest of the season could produce some interesting racing and results.