A total of 23 competitors turned out for the second OK qualifier for the 2004 World Championships at Tees & Hartlepool YC last weekend.

Saturday brought some unusual conditions with storm clouds passing from the west, shifting the wind through 180?, causing much frustration throughout the fleet and race committee.

Jim Hunt made the most of the conditions and chalked up three 1st places, exhibiting good offwind speed. Terry Curtis posted two 2nds and a lucky 13th. Neil Goodhead, Tony Thresher and Gavin Waldron picked up the rest of the placings. THYC laid on the evening’s entertainment before the fleet zig-zagged off into the town centre.

Day two dawned sunny again with a steadier wind. Terry tried out his new Superspars carbon mast to good effect. Jim again had a good day with two firsts and a second, the second due to he and Andy Rushworth holding a long conversation between races – a mile to windward of the race start.

Chris Arnell and Geoff Woollen (ex national champion) made welcome returns to the class. Neil Goodhead had an excellent second day showing phenomenal light wind speed to post a 1st and two 2nd places. Tony Thresher using a JP Williams carbon mast and North sail showed much improved boat speed.

Overall Results

1st Jim Hunt South Staffs, Proctor spar, North UK sails, Rushworth built

2nd Neil Goodhead South Staffs, Al Needlespar, North UK, Rushworth built

3rd Terry Curtis Upper Thames, C Needlespar, Superspars, Pinnell & Bax, North UK, Delf built

4th Tony Thresher West Oxford, Williams spar, North UK, O’Donnell built

5th Gavin Waldron South Staffs, Al Needlespar, Port Nicholson, Delf built

6th JP Williams West Oxford, Williams spar, Batt, Thresher built