Young holds off his rivals to claim plate

Twenty seven BODs turning out on Wroxham Broad for their last major event made a splendid sight last weekend, and with several high performing helms among them it was hardly surprising that a mere two points separated first from third.

Revelling in the sunshine, especially on Sunday, and moderate winds, Christian Young, crewed by Andrew Stevens, and Stu Rix, with Peter Reeve, got off to flying starts as each recorded a first and second. With Jimmy Tubby and Peter Timewell hot on their transoms with two thirds, Nick and Bridget Truman following with two fourths.

Sunday's first race however threw the competition, if not wide open, at any rate ajar, when Sam Coles and Level Evans took the third race by storm, ahead of Young, with Ian Masters gaining third gun.

That set the scene for the decider, with Young certain of five points, but still vulnerable to Rix, for whom the winning gun would settle the matter.

In the event neither had much say in the decision. Tubby, recovering from his previous sixth place, burst into the lead and never looked like surrendering it, while Truman headed the pack in his wake round the broad. That was how they finished. Rix, despite his best efforts, could only work up to third, giving him six points. He had the consolation of finishing ahead of Young, whose fourth place proved his discard, but, as I premised, he had five points in the bag, which was joined by the Cigarette Plate for the weekend, Rix taking runner-up and Tubby third, three points clear of Truman.

Brian Cumming celebrated 50 years of sailing Enterprises on the Broads when he won the weekend event on Hickling Broad in the Woodcock Salver Series, crewed as ever by wife Linda. Their two wins were enough to beat Kevin and Elena Edwards.

At the same time some 30 HBSC members were enjoying their Autumn Regatta. The A section, mainly Punts, was dominated by brothers James and Paul Jarvey, who won five of the six races with Jim and Robyn Rosser's single win and three seconds aboard their RS proving the next best results.

In the B section, Simon and Rachel Clayton emulated the Jarveys, with R Hawkins' Laser win in the third race spoiling their party. Toby Percival emerged top junior

The onset of autumn is heralded by the emergence of our winter clubs, Frostbites opening their season at Whitlingham while Snowflakes host an Open Keelboat downriver for the Greenhill Trophy. Meanwhile summer activities wind down. NBYC host their final Open of the year for the Cruisers, and Hickling their final Open, for Phantoms, both events being sailed over Saturday and Sunday. GYGSC wind up their programme with the End of Season Trophy at Gorleston.