The March Hare Open was contested in glorious warm sunshine and a variable breeze. 18 boats took part mainly consisting of Lasers plus 2 Radials, 2 Toppers, an 8.1 and a RS Quba. With the wind swinging back and forth between NW and NNE playing the shifts and being in the right place at the right time were going to play a big part.

The first race got away cleanly with the those choosing the leeward end of the line getting the best of the fetch to the first mark. As the race progress the leading pack of five took turns to have the advantage but in the end Lee Goodey took line honours ahead of Simon Northrop, then Charlie Campion crossing with Roger Hodgkison in the 8.1 followed by Steve Gray. After handicap correct Roger fell back to sixth overall with Chris Brealy sneaking in to take fifth.

In race 2 after a short lunch break and the sailors basking in the sun, Steve was a touch keen with his boom being over the line as he reached down the line and having to return. With the race dotted with many big holes in the wind, Roger used the larger sail of the 8.1 to good effect building a reasonable lead on lap 1 and extending this on lap 2 to take line honours and the win. Lee continued his great form this season to comfortable take 2nd whilst Steve fought back to third only to retire following a possible protest. In fourth was Richard Delise and fifth was Rosie Tribe showing the practicing is producing benefits, followed by Gary Danilewicz with his best ever result.

So after counting both races, Lee took the trophy, followed by Roger, then Simon, followed by Charlie and then in fifth was Rosie.

http://results.sailwave.com/WFSA March Hare 2009.htm