Osprey Welsh & Midland Area Championship 2003
Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th July

The Osprey open was a very well run event and special thanks go to Bill Watson, John Lees and all the team. I found Roger Daley-Hunts coaching tips especially useful (!!!!). Sunday was a very long day for the race team but very much appreciated by the visitors who had traveled from all four corners of the country with up to 600 miles round trip. Barbara Gibbons, Glynis, Diana Watson and Diane McD supported by many others provided superb catering – it’s the first time I have seen a sack barrow needed to deliver the bacon for the weekend! Albert, as ever grafted all weekend fighting the lack of beer cooler and provided his normal breakfast special - here is what happened:
 
Staffordshire was the centre of the Osprey world on July 12 -13 with visitors from Penzance, Kielder as well as from Essex and also two boats from Ribble. The wind was light and fitful (thats report speak for swinging 30 degrees and 2 forces) but this did not stop the Mamwell/Little team winning the first race with locals the Hartleys close behind and long distance travellers Menear and Greig third. Shifty conditions continued for the second race with the Odlings reading the conditions well to win. Taylor/Willey were second just ahead of team SSB Batt and Broomhall in third in Mikes old boat. Local knowledge (going right till we hit the slipway!) helped McDonald/Bower to first in the last race of the day with the Odlings just behind and the Kielder team of Mamwell/Little next.

After a traditional Osprey evening meal which was a triumph for the on shore team and a (few!) glasses of beer (rumours that Mr Batt was slightly affected speed wise by the previous nights entertainment are exaggerated the morning) saw much improved conditions with planing reaches in bright sunshine clearing a few heads. The first race of the day saw the Odlings first again with fellow "Essex boys" Taylor and Willey second. The final race saw them improving on this to take the gun with McDonald/Bower in second and the overall winner close behind.

Special mentions must go the Keith and Jon Gibbons stalwarts of the fleet who are the reason we have an Osprey fleet keeping going when the rest of us were off doing other things and also to the "new boys" of Cooke/Brooks in Alberts old boat who sailed their first Osprey open beating boats in all races.

Thanks to all at the Club for allowing us to put back your racing slightly on Sunday.

5 races, 4 to count.