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British Army (Germany) Dinghy Sailing Championships 2011

The 2011 British Army (Germany) Championships were once again, kindly hosted by the British Forces Dummersee Sail Training Centre in October.

Despite the deployment of the 20th Armoured Brigade the turnout was excellent with 28 Pico entries and 11 double handed boats. First up were the Pico single hander championships, as there were more competitors than boats the competition was run in two heats of 14 boats. The top 10 qualifiers of each of the heats then competed in a four race shoot out. Competition all over the fleet was strong, especially at the front where any one of the top three had a chance of winning the regatta in the last race. As the top three sailors rounded the final leeward mark, it was still possible for Lt Col Bill Busby to be beaten, but in the end his experience was enough to see him over the line first by a boat length or so, and therefore taking the regatta for the third time.

PRESSURE

Day 2 saw 22 sailors in eleven boats take to the water, participating in both individual and team events representing the Mohnesee, Dummersee and Roermond sailing clubs. In the first race and in very light westerly breeze, the defending champions Mohnesee were immediately put under pressure from both the Dummersee, and Roermond clubs. As the racing progressed so did the Dummersee’s performance, which saw them winning both the individual and club Regatta. Well done to Mr Colin Lovering and LCpl Paddy McDermott.

Congratulations were also in order for Sapper Phil Dafter of 28 Engineers who finished in 10th place in the gold fleet also taking the best Novice Trophy. Thanks to Maj Gen J Bashall who attended the event and kindly presented the prizes. Finally, thanks to WO2 Steve Myers and his team at the Dummersee for organising a great event, and to LCpl Simon Horsfield, race officer, for organising two days of great racing.