Report by Danny Boatman (GBR)
Ovington Inland Championships - Grafham Water SC - 18/19 March
A very wet morning at Grafham water welcomed 25 keen Musto skiff sailors on Saturday. In the early part of the week, the forecast looked like it could be a full on weekend, but as the week went on it became apparent it was going to be the complete opposite. Thankfully, though, the rain did mostly hold off as everyone hit the water.
The first race was started in approx. 5-8 kts and remained consistent for all four of the day’s races. Sam Barker and Alistair Conn had an extra gear, which saw them fight it out for 1st and 2nd in all four of the races sharing the spoils. Bill Maughan also had a strong start with two 3rd places followed by further strong results and sat in 3rd overnight. Hot on his heels, though, was Danny Boatman, Rob Richardson, Paul Molesworth, and Mike Matthews, with just 5 points between them.
There was also plenty of great racing going on throughout the rest of the fleet with lots of overtaking and jostling for position. Most of the fleet could be found at the local pub later that evening. It was great to see so many great friends and new faces to catch up on the day’s racing.
Sunday arrived with slightly more breeze (though very shifty!) and plenty of fresh faces looking forward to another hard day’s racing. The main point of discussion was who would have the upper hand between Alistair and Sam. Danny Boatman got off to a flyer with two 1st places, showing weight is merely an excuse! Rob Richardson was leading the first race going into the first bottom mark before breaking his tiller extension, and sadly retiring from the race.
Sam carried on his impressive form with two 2nd places, whilst Alistair had struggled in the first race, but backed it up with a 3rd in the next race, leaving him with an outside chance. However, Sam sailed a brilliant last race earning the race victory and taking the 2023 Inland title comfortably. Alistair, returning to the circuit, claimed a very solid 2nd place overall, followed by Danny Boatman in 3rd, overhauling his nemesis Bill Maughan on count back!
Outside the podium, Mike Matthews showed great pace again in the final race, claiming 2nd to finish up in 5th place overall. Paul Molesworth sailed well, always in touch with the leading group, and finished in 6th place overall. Dan Vincent claimed 3rd in the final race, having a much improved second day, and finished up 7th overall.
A big congratulations goes to the newbies, some of whom had only sailed the boat a handful of times. It’s fair to say by the looks of their faces after each day’s racing, they’re hooked! A special mention must go to Oli Bull, travelling from Chanonry – superb effort!
A huge thank you to Ovington Boats for putting on another great event and to Musto for the continued support and prizes.
The next events on the circuit are Yorkshire Days on April 1st/2nd (Northern) and Stokes Bay on the 29th/30th April (Southern). Hope to see you all there!
Overall Results
- 1st place – Sam Barker
- 2nd place – Alistair Conn
- 3rd place – Danny Boatman
Full results:https://www.grafham.org/wp-content/uploads/_results/Opens/2023/Ovington-Inlands-2023.htm
Feature photo: Ovington Inland Championships / © Tim Olin, 2023
