2003 Open Report

Report by David Bracey The John Lewis GP14 Round the Islands Race Saturday 2nd August It was a big disappointment to many sailors when the last of the traditional John Lewis Regatta’s was held last year. After heavy hints from friends in two north London sailing clubs, the GP14 fleet at Poole Yacht Club was prevailed upon to hold a ‘Round the Islands’ team race on Saturday 2^nd August preceding the Open Meeting on Sunday 3^rd August. To give this new event a helping hand John Lewis very kindly donated the prizes for both events.
The ‘Round the Islands’ team race became a triangular match between Poole Y.C. and B.T.Y.C. and Seahorse S.C. from the Welsh Harp reservoir in Brent north London. The morning race saw eight teams of three boats attempting to cross the start line in a very light breeze and against the tide.
Two hours later after rounding Brownsea Island the breeze failed completely and a running finish was taken. Race 2 in the afternoon saw the sea breeze arrive and the teams enjoyed brisk conditions to surprise many leisure boats parked behind Round Island enjoying the sun. Tony Moore and Ian Aitken of Poole Y.C. finished 2nd in both races to lead his team A to victory and Richard Lord and Lorna Davies finished 1st and 7th to secure for Seahorse A the second place. B.T.Y.C. team C finished 3rd. Full Results for Saturday some pictures
	The John Lewis GP14 Open Meeting Sunday 3rd August Many of the team racers from Saturday boosted the numbers of boats competing in the Sunday Open Meeting to 29 but the racing was dominated by boats from further afield.
The fickle and variable breezes reeked havoc with courses and starting. Race 1 started after a considerable delay to tow back boats drifting in the tide and the frustration soon became apparent with two general recalls. Although the breeze slightly improved, recalls and eventually black flags became the pattern of the day but it brought out the highest skills from the two leading boats. Richard Instone and Marc Cheshire frome Chase S.C. finished 1^st tied with Graham Flynn and Frank Nickless from Dovey S.C. but took the title because of the better discard (2^nd!). Full Results for Sunday some pictures