DEVON & CORNWALL CONSTABULARY
FORCE DINGHY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Wednesday, 5th October, 2005
Venue:  Royal Navy Royal Marines Sailing Centre
for the Camber in Plymouth.

 
These were held on Wednesday 5th October 2005, The venue was the Royal Navy Royal Marines Sailing Centre for the Camber in Plymouth.

The Race Officer was Clive COLLIER assisted by Jacque LEE-HANSEN of Plymouth BCU. The day was warm and sunny; winds force 2 – 3 from the NorthEast. Also assisting the committee was Scott Ranft, Simon Beare, Dai Noon and Mark Helyer, the safety boat team.

Once again Devon & Cornwall Constabulary Force Dinghy Championships was centred on the Royal Navy Royal Marines Sail Training Centre for the fifth year, a fleet of Bosun dinghies all one design were made available to the competitors to take part in the challenge. The morning started warm and dry, sea smooth and no wind. Things weren’t looking too good. However the competitors arrived, the equipment was ready to go and all we were looking for was a little bit of wind.

At about 10.30 the scheduled time for the first race, the wind started to fill from the NorthEast. At this point the boats took to the water after a briefing from the Race Officer Clive COLLIER, and made their way to the start line off Millbay Docks. With the boats jostling for position on the start, the gun was fired and the fleet made their way to the first mark which was a buoy at North West Drakes Island to be followed by a port hand rounding to a wing mark off Drakes Island to return to the line.

With the tide ebbing throughout the race, the tactics were interesting in such light winds. The winners of race 1 were Liam & Sue McGrath, in second place Bob Bennell and Chris Rooney, and in third, John Carter and Scott Rothney.

Race two had a similar course to race one, the wind having infilled a little bit more raising to force 3, the same course, raced over two rounds. Several misdemeanours and mishaps were evidenced in this race which were the subject of special notes at the eventual prizegiving but the eventual winners of race two were Liam and Sue McGrath, second Chris Batten and Pete Bennet, and third Matt Boyling and Simon Roberts.

Due to the continued light winds, after race two the boats returned to the Camber for Lunch, all having to pass under the bow lines of the PONT AVEON, moored in Milbay docks.

Race 3 and 4 both started after lunch, a change in course and tide did nothing to interupt the winning crew of Liam and Sue McGrath, who took line honours again in both races, it was a battle for second and thhird spots which would determine the overall positions.

In race 3, second were Becky Le Cheminant, and Ollie Le Cheminant, and third Dave Pickles and Roger Hocking. Race 4 second were Dave Pickles and Roger Hocking, and third, Russ and Katy Mogridge.

That concluded the racing for the day. Competitors came ashore, tidied up their kits and gathered for the prizegiving.

An interesting situation with the points overall. One race was discarded so it was the best of three races to count, the clear winners being Liam and Sue McGrath of HQ, second overall, Dave Pickles and Roger Hocking, Plymouth BCU, and Third overall, Bob Bennell and Chris Rooney, Plymouth BCU.

Thanks are expressed to the Royal Navy Royal Marines Sail Training Centre again for the use of their fantastic facilities by Devon & Cornwall Constabulary staff. The prizegiving was conducted by race officer as Mr Ray LAWRY was unfortunately not available due to a D & C offshore sailing team taking part in the Metropolitan Police Offshore sailing Championships, with dates clashing.

The season has now drawn to a close for 2005 with planning well in hand for the season 2006.

Anyone wishing to join the section please contact DC 3679 Julie TURNER of Plymouth BCU.

Clive COLLIER
Devon & Cornwall Constabulary
Sailing Section