Eskimo Race at Blackpool and Fleetwood Yacht Club
by Steve Schofield 15 Jan 2008 17:47 UTC
13 January 2008
On the Saturday there was no hint of the high winds and carnage that was to happen at the annual Eskimo Race at Blackpool & Fleetwood Yacht club on Sunday 13th January.
With 58 entries the race got underway in force 5 winds which swiftly rose to gust of up to force 8. Many crews battled on through several capsizes but damage, fatigue and common sense took out over half the fleet.
Credible efforts were seen all the way through the fleet not least Stuart Fitton in 23rd and last place in his Topper. For many survival was the order of the day.
By the end of the day Matt Mee and Richard Wagstaff brought their Fireball home first without a capsize all day. Carol Haines won the first lady helm in her Scorpion in 19th place with Jon Haines.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Boat Type | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club |
|---|
| 1st | Fireball | 14919 | Matt Mee | Richard Wagstaff | Hollingworth |
| 2nd | Merlin Rocket | 3670 | Richard Whitworth | Sally Townend | Hollingworth |
| 3rd | Scorpion | 1970 | Steve Walker | Chris Muxworthy | Pennine |
| 4th | Flying Fifteen | 3734 | Howard Green | Ian Preston | Leigh & Lowton |
| 5th | Contender | 659 | Martin Metcalfe | | Killington |