36R Vane Wood Cup and Woodhouse Trophy at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club
by Tony Wilson 13 May 22:52 BST
9-10 May 2026
36R Vane Wood Cup and Woodhouse Trophy at Fleetwood © Tony Wilson
Saturday 9th May 2026 – Wood Cup
The forecast was for a light breeze from the North East with occasional showers. Quite surprisingly, it remained dry throughout and the wind picked up a little towards the end of the day enabling us to use the second sail suit.
We had five Skippers as two of the hardy regulars were away representing the club at another venue.
Tony was sailing the new to him boat ‘Nerenuf’ as Eric was now opting for the quieter Mate’s bank, to assist with a little less running involved. We had the two Peters, John S. and Harry.
Points seemed to be shared out equally throughout with everyone taking their turn to drop a couple. Tony was having trouble tuning for the beat as the boat seemed to be a little close to the wind throughout the return leg. He nailed the Runs each time, but still had something to work on for Sunday.
After the fourth heat one Skipper rushed to downsize sails, followed by the rest. Tony in panic mode felt a bit intimidated as his second suit was somewhat smaller than the rest, thinking he had made a mistake. The wind did drop a touch, but then increased even further to send two of the boats to the seaside bank, which wasn’t good. Tony now in sprint mode had to run along as even the smaller outfit was diving. Thanks Eric, it was a good choice.
The last leg to beat back up could have been anyone’s for the days taking, as three boats were on very similar points. Peter I. although a little ahead, rushed to pole off for a technical error disqualification putting John ahead on points.
Peter Whiteside did his usual in concreting his win as Tony was fluttering on the Port tack on the way back up, but seemed to have sorted his Starboard, so that wasn’t for him near enough.
Thanks to all the helpers.
Results:
1 Peter Whiteside 13 pts
Joint 2nd John Sharman and Tony Wilson 11 pts
3 Peter lsles 10 pts
4 Harry Balderson 5 pts
Sunday 10th May 2026 – Woodhouse Trophy
The wind was again from the North East corner, so it was 2 points out and 3 points back on a somewhat beat.. Most fixed their vanes out, but we had a mix with both broken and fixed coming back, sometimes both on the same leg.
Advice was given to the Skippers about not messing up by putting their boat on the forbidden bank, which sometimes went unheard, causing the mates somewhat of a nightmare to get off again.
After about four heats of the lake the wind caused so many swirling problems that Derek suggested it might be a good time for lunch. After nearly an hour as if cued, the wind kicked in full force from the West.
Smaller rigs were put on and then repeated again with even smaller rigs for some.
With some pretty close racing, we had some interesting races and finishes, with just the odd re-sail.
A good weekend and a special Thanks for the extra hands on the nice lazy warm bank.
Results:
1st Olly Murray 25 pts
2nd Peter Whiteside 23 pts
3rd John Sharman 18pts
4th Peter Isles 15pts
5th Tony Wilson 11pts
6th Harry Balderson 10 pts
7th Keith Wiseman 3 pts
