Results / Parkstone Open Parkstone - 11/05/2002

28 boats from 16 clubs competed in this 2 day open at Parkstone YC sailing in Poole Bay. With light winds and sunshine forecast Saturday turned out even worse. Light winds turned into lottery ticket directions. Race officer Mike Collins tried to get the fleet away on the first race but when the wind reversed through 180� before the windward mark the race was abandoned. The second race was little better with the fleet hoisting kites within a few metres of the start line and the course almost reversed. However Russ Gibbs showed his potential for the weekend by crawling away from Nigel Hammond and Hywel Roberts to take the win. Third race and the zephyrs were almost consistent. Local helm Neal Freeman got away after a black flag start. Neal held on to win from another local, Duncan Glen with Gibbs showing consistent front running in third. Prayers were said overnight but Sunday dawned with sun and no wind. However following a delay the 3rd race got under way in a steadily increasing 7 knot breeze. Gibbs, Glen and Robin Kenyon all showed good light wind speed to finish in that order from Phil Jackson and Freeman. By race 4 the breeze was building to sighs of relief from everyone. From a tight start Gibbs and Glen resumed battle with Kenyon close behind chased by John Date. Gibbs took the race and with it the series with a race to spare. Glen beat Kenyon, which made the last race a battle for the minor places. With a near perfect breeze but also strong tide the black flag was implemented with dire consequences for Glen who found himself going home early, accompanied by Gibbs and Date all from the front runners at the windward mark. With a full three rounds the fleet could finally enjoy some excellent sailing with the sea providing the �chop challenge�. Freeman romped away with Jackson in pursuit. Kenyon capitalised on Glens� DSQ to take 3rd place and with it 2nd overall.