Victoria Fuel Berth Trophy 2

Sunday 22nd November 2009. Bel Royal.

Extreme conditions for the second in the series prompted a move from St. Ouen to Bel Royal and 12 competitors were out in force to battle against the elements in storm force winds and a confused sea.

As the tide dropped back from the slipway, at about 1130 Steve Melia and Rob Ayliffe were the first to take to the water. Unfortunately, they were met with a severe rainstorm and gusts of 50kts which made it unsailable for a further ten minutes. The remainder of the sailors took refuge in the lee of the slipway until it passed, and soon all of the competitors were ready together as Jono Steventon judged from the comfort of his van.

Mikey Surcouf proved to be the best riding in the waves during the session, but with the light winds soon after the rainstorm, it was difficult for the sailors to get the speed up between the waves for jumps in the first 20 minutes.

Later, Rob Ayliffe scored highly on his jumps, as did Simon Martin with a good back loop attempt in the windy conditions. Most of the sailors had good flying, with the wind increasing again in the second half of the contest, and the tide dropping back and presenting larger spaces between the waves.

Steve Melia (leader in the series) scored well in the waves, as did Dave Huelin, and Steve Mahoney (veterans). But all sailors found the changeable conditions difficult, and very physical by the end of the session.

Results:                                                                                    total points

1^st            Mike Surcouf                                                                            23

2nd          Steve Melia                                                                               20

3rd           Rob Ayliffe                                                                                18

 4th          Ali Varrie /Simon Martin                                                          17

=5^th         Steve Mahoney (vet)  / Steve Romeril                                 16

=7^th         Dave Yettram / Dave Huelin (vet)                                         14

^9th            Michael Millar                                                                           13

^=10th       Guy Martin /Adam Chester                                                     11

^12th         Charlie White                                                                            05

Version 2.2    24.11.09

Results provisional : Prizegiving at St Helier Yacht Club 18.12.09 @ 1900 HRS

Thanks to Jono from Active Island Sports for judging, and Mark Able for photos to be found on www.photositejersey.com.