Water sports round-up

By nrichards

Aquathlon

PENWITH DUO IN FINE FORM AT HAYLE'S FIRST AQUATHLON:

Penzance's top GB elite triathlon competitor Neil Eddy continued his rich vein of form by taking first place in Hayle's first ever aquathlon event on Monday night. Eddy edged out local rival Mark Lewarne, who warmed up for this weekend's UK Aquathlon Championships at the weekend with second place at Hayle. Up against Neil, who recently won the St Ives biathlon and also the Penzance aquathlon, Mark was unable to get past his rival, who has been putting in some excellent performances recently. Mark said: The pool wasn't the best, therefore my time wasn't as expected. However, I was happy with my run leg and didn't lose much ground on Neil, who had gained a 10 second lead off the swim. It was a nice flat 3km run circuit which gave me the chance to stretch out and focus on running economy ahead of this weekend's race at the UK championships." The UK championships double up as a qualification event for the Great Britain team for the World Championships in Australia in September, and Mark is confident of a performance worthy of a place on the team. He said: "I hope to do well, the swim is in open water which is good for me, so hopefully come out of the swim in a decent position and then put a good run in similar to that at the Hayle aquathlon." Lewarne is making the trip to Wales with fellow local athletes and training partners Nathan Jolly and Dave Bartlett, who are also going well this year with some excellent results. Mark added: "Both Dave and Nathan are excellent competitors who this year have showed they are capable of some fine performances, with Dave gaining second at the Mylor Triathlon on Sunday, while Nathan won his age group at the British Ironman Championships in June." Full results at www.hayletri.co.uk

JUNIOR HARRIERS EVENT:

Mount's Bay Harriers hosted the fourth Penzance Junior Aquathlon in fine conditions on Sunday, which after Saturday's awful weather was a blessing. Out of 85 entrants only three failed to turn up, and by 9am reception at Penzance Leisure Centre was buzzing with competitors raring to go. Competitors had to lay their own kit out in transition with no help from parents. For the eight-year-olds, this was the first time that they had taken part in a multi-disciplined sports event and nerves were setting in. It was a close run race for both the boys and girls with only seconds separating them. Harris Eddy of Penzance SC, was first home in 4:53 with Josh May of St Mary's Catholic School hot on his heels in 4:54. Mawgan Kewn of MBH was third in 5:05. For the girls, it was equally as close with Niamh Symons of Hayle Runners Junior AC in 5:19, followed by Poppy Burford of MBH in 5:21. Sofia Rescorla-Brown of Penzance SC was third in 5:32. The biggest group of the day was the 9-10 year-olds with 32 competitors taking part. Bradley Barnes of St Ives Bay SC and Godolphin Primary was first for the boys in 8:34 with fellow team-mate, Charlie Coulthard following in 8:38. Finn Burford of MBH picked up third prize in 8:50. Girls' prizes were dominated by MBH with Ellie Ringwood first in 8:25, followed by twin sisters Rosie and Lauren Davis in 8:54 and 8:56 respectively. The 11-12 year olds girls were equally close with Jordan Holroy of Newquay Cormorants holding off Zest's Emily Ackford by one second, finishing in 12:18 and 12:19. Third was MBH's Myah Harrison in 12:36. For the boys, Alex Durrant of St Ives Bay SC was first in 12:12, second was Jacob Wood of Hayle Runners Junior AC in 12:47 and third Liam Jolly of Carn Brea SC in 13:29. For the 13-14 year old boys, Matthew Trewhella of Redruth School picked up first prize in 12:40, second Luc Hesdon, St Ives Bay SC, 15:38 with third Tom Wood of Hayle Runners Junior AC in 15:50. First place for the girls was Finlay Bray of Cornwall AC/Penair School in 16:20, second Melissa Blake-Lomas, Newquay & Par AC, 16:24 and third Amy Jolly of Carn Brea SC 16:51. The 15-16 year-olds was a two horse race with Sarah Bonar of MBH for the girls and Mark Hanson of Redruth School for the boys. Sarah was still on a high from winning the junior St Ives Biathlon the night before and came across the line in 24:08 with Mark following in 33:24. A good turn out by Mount's Bay Harriers' Juniors and St Ives Bay Swimming Club represented a good 50% of the field. Thanks to all who turned up to time, lane count and marshal the run route, also to Penzance Fire Brigade who handed out the medals to the finishers. Full results, page 80.

Sailing

MOUNT'S BAY SAILING CLUB:

Tuesday July 7: Three Lasers, three Mirrors, an Osprey and two from the Handicap fleet were the only boats to brave a challenging force 5 WNW breeze that produced several capsizes. Mirrors: James and Will continued the improvement apparent in the Open meeting to produce a peerless performance for a straightforward high winds win. Steve and Amy comfortably cruised through unchallenged behind James with Rob in third. Lasers: Malcolm Woolcock and Nick Stoten got away first while Bruce Adams sailed through the middle of the rocks, fortunately without capsizing. Malcolm revelled in the conditions and continued to extend his lead throughout the seven rounds to finish first ahead of Nick.

Friday 10 July 10: Five Lasers, four Ospreys, four Mirrors and eight Handicaps sailed in a strong but subsiding SW breeze. Mirrors: Two races, but only one winner. Jane and Isobel, without a spinnaker, took the lead early in the first race and off the line in the second and, even when the cold and damp set in, were several lengths clear throughout. Lasers: Race 1: Malcolm established a lead which he held to the finish. Roger and Paul swapped positions until Paul got clear to finish second, and Roger's capsize allowed Bruce to take third. Race 2: Paul completed his first win after his recent return to Laser sailing and Malcolm expertly covered Roger and Bruce to finish in that order ahead of Clive. Fast Handicap: The first beat required maximum power to get through the SW chop but in turn gave a good ride and surf on the downwind legs. Jason was out again in his 700 with Rod also sailing a 700. The two Vareos of Julie and Paul enjoyed the waves, joined by Mostyn for Race two in another Vareo. Pippa also sailed race two in the RS200. Ospreys: In the first race, Jeremy and Roger took an early lead which they held with Colin and Mike second, closely pursued by Steve and Mark. The second race saw the wind drop and the tack ticks play a much bigger part of the race. Colin managed to get away at the start with Jeremy and Steve in close contention, positions they held until the finish.

Sunday July 12: Five Lasers, five Ospreys, four Mirrors and several handicaps braved a strong and gusty SW force 5+ breeze, reducing to a force 3-4 towards the end of the race. Mirrors: James and Will overcame several slices of bad luck, including a broken tiller, yet still produced enough superb sailing to eventually come home nearly a minute clear after an audacious overtaking manoeuvre at the top of the final beat. Osprey Captain Mike, returning to his roots as helm for Amy, sailed solidly enough to come in second. Lasers: Paul Broomfield (Radial), Bruce Adams and Roger Sparrow were unable to match the pace of Malcolm Woolcock and Nick Stoten, who rounded the windward mark first and second. They extended their lead with Malcolm pipping Nick at the post. Roger, Paul and Bruce changed positions several times but finished in that order. Ospreys: Steve George won convincingly from Barrie Reynolds who sailed the course unscathed. Peter Cormie came in third. Full race results, page 80.

● Detailed reports of all of last week's races can be found at www.mbsc.org.uk

PENZANCE SAILING CLUB:

Thursday July 9: In perfect conditions for the Novice and U18 annual race, 11 entrants had an interesting and entertaining event. Leslie Bailey retained his U18 trophy but it is his last year in the event. Jean Pollard did superbly well in Sequester winning the Novice Helm in her first race on the water.

Saturday July 11 (Regatta): The forecast was such that the COGS (Cornwall Offshore Group Series) race from Helford to Penzance was cancelled, and the club's own cruiser fleet decided not to race. As this is meant to be a fun event for all club members and visitors, it was felt that Regatta could not really comprise just the one dinghy race that might be possible before the weather closed in and so the event was postponed until later in the year. The revised date will be announced after the next committee meeting. However, the race committee decided to put on two short non-series races back to back at 11am so that the sailors didn't feel too disappointed. Although the wind stayed below force 6 for most of the time, the fog and rain kept coming and going, making it very hard to see what was happening around the course. With thanks to support from Mount's Bay Sailing Club with their RIB Viking, and willing crews on Courselayer and the new Deep Sea, the two races offered some competitive sailing, visitors from Stithians Wave, RNAS Culdrose, Mount's Bay and Penzance all competing hard for placings. The rather bedraggled sailors finished just in time for a pasty lunch topped up with tea and coffee from the hard-working volunteers in the Galley. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and all the visitors have promised to return for the rescheduled Regatta in the Autumn. Race results, Digest page 80.ST IVES SAILING CLUB: Wednesday July 8: This was a perfect evening for sailing, with brisk breezes, force 3 to 4, from the northwest and the high tide on the slipway, which made for easy launching. Ten dinghies set sail, including four helms in club boats (Topaz), as race officer Martin Potter, assisted by Paul Tarplee, devised a port-hand course, starting with a beam reach south towards Porthminster beach. This was followed by a run east in the direction of Hayle Estuary before gybing onto a close reach north towards Godrevy and finishing with a port biased beat west back to the start/finish line. John Palser (Laser) conducted a good start and continued to build up a lead on the first lap. Behind, Mike Cook and Martyn Tarplee (Lasers) were locked in a close contest for second and third place. On the second lap Martyn hit the gybe mark when trying to pass Mike on the inside as they rounded. His subsequent 360 degree penalty turn allowed Bryan Gray (Laser) to get past and enabled Mike to getaway and concentrate on catching the Laser ahead. Over laps three, four and the final lap, Mike made good progress in that direction, working hard to more than halve the lead before the finish. Dave Peters and Andy DeRozareaux sailed a steady race to come home in fifth place behind the Lasers, while Daniel Rouncefield was the first Topaz home in sixth place. Fion Tarplee (Topaz) was racing single hand for only the second time and to his credit executed the course without capsize or mishap to finish ahead of Rupert Manley, bravely, sailing single-handed in his North Sea Skiff. Young Sam Philips (Club Topaz) was on the water briefly but found the conditions a little too testing for his novice skills. Thanks to Terry Cook and Derek Redgeway for the on the water race management in the safety boat.Results: 1, John Palser (Laser); 2, Mike Cook (Laser); 3, Brian Gray (Laser); 4, Martyn Tarplee (Laser); 5, Dave Peters and Andy DeRozareaux (Magno); 6, Daniel Rouncefield (Club Topaz); 7, Paul Gray (Club Topaz); 8, Fion Tarplee (Club Topaz); 9, Rupert Manley (North Sea Skiff); Sam Club Topaz) DNS.Saturday July 11: No club sailing so members could compete at Penzance regatta. Several crews from the home club took their boats to Penzance for the event, but the regatta was cancelled/postponed because of the forecast gale force winds expected in the afternoon. The race officer arranged for two short races to be held in the morning for the dinghies. Twenty boats launched, six Lasers and 14 for the handicap fleet, but only Jon Keast and Alex Accleton (RS 800) stayed to represent the St Ives club.Vago Nationals: Laser Vago National Champion Martin Rawling, from St Ives Sailing Club, contested the Vago National Championships at Felpham Sailing Club, near Bognor Regis. Martin has not had a regular crew this year but managed to recruit the services of Richard Keen from Arun Yacht Club for the event. Although Martin and Richard had never sailed together before, they put together a great campaign, never finishing outside the top three places in the six races and recording two firsts. Overall this put them in a creditable second place behind Richard's parents, Martin and Emma Keen, who became the new champions.SurfingUK PRO SURF TOUR COMES TO WATERGATE BAY:This weekend will see the third stop on the UK Pro Surf Tour visiting Watergate Bay, Newquay. The leg is part of the annual Surf Relief Contest, which has grown over the past five years. In the women's event, Beth Mason and Gwen Spurlock from Swansea will be the two to watch. However, 17-year-old Zoe Sheath and 15-year-old Tass Swallow, from St Ives, are among other talented girls who could take the title. On the grommets tour the title is wide open with good performances coming from many of the surfers. Beau Bromham, from Croyde, in the U16 boys, Lucy Campbell from Woolacombe, in the U16 girls and Harry DeRoth, from St Ives, in the U12 open are all potential stars. SwimmingPENZANCE SWIMMING CLUB:Many club members have been in action this week, either swimming in the West Devon League, St Ives Biathlon, in the aquathlon on Sunday or bowling at the club social evening. On Saturday a full coach of swimmers and parents travelled to Plymouth for the last leg of the Cornwall and West Devon League. This was to be the last gala for head coach Jim Saulter before he retires from the club in August. All swimmers swam well and tried hard in the face of stiff competition, many achieving personal best times. Ian Jeffery beat two long standing club records for 100m men's backstroke in a time of 1.01.31and 100m Butterfly – 1.01.54. Individual races were won by Ella Mosley in the girl's 13/U girls Breaststroke, Luke Hollis Boys 15/U100m Backstroke and 100m Breaststroke and James Ryan Boys Open 100m Breaststroke, The girl's 13/U medley relay team –Rosie Web, Ella Mosley, Kerri Bridgman and Sophie Penney also won their relay. On the journey home the coach stopped for a celebratory dinner which was all enjoyed by all. The following swimmers achieved personal best times: Jack Trewhella, Luke Hollis, James Ryan, Ben Gilo, Ian Jeffery, Hannah Carson, Kate Eaves, Shannon O'Connell, Rosie Web, Lara Ruetsch, Naomi Rescorla-Brown, Harry Randall, Thomas Lamborne and Mark Worledge. The club thank all parents and supporters who travelled with the swimmers, the team managers, coach Julia Rescorla and head coach Jim Saulter for making it a successful gala. ● On Saturday the club are holding their annual outdoor gala in the Jubilee Pool. The event is due to start at 6pm. Race results, Digest page 80 .

ST IVES SAILING CLUB: Wednesday July 8: This was a perfect evening for sailing, with brisk breezes, force 3 to 4, from the northwest and the high tide on the slipway, which made for easy launching. Ten dinghies set sail, including four helms in club boats (Topaz), as race officer Martin Potter, assisted by Paul Tarplee, devised a port-hand course, starting with a beam reach south towards Porthminster beach. This was followed by a run east in the direction of Hayle Estuary before gybing onto a close reach north towards Godrevy and finishing with a port biased beat west back to the start/finish line. John Palser (Laser) conducted a good start and continued to build up a lead on the first lap. Behind, Mike Cook and Martyn Tarplee (Lasers) were locked in a close contest for second and third place. On the second lap Martyn hit the gybe mark when trying to pass Mike on the inside as they rounded. His subsequent 360 degree penalty turn allowed Bryan Gray (Laser) to get past and enabled Mike to getaway and concentrate on catching the Laser ahead. Over laps three, four and the final lap, Mike made good progress in that direction, working hard to more than halve the lead before the finish. Dave Peters and Andy DeRozareaux sailed a steady race to come home in fifth place behind the Lasers, while Daniel Rouncefield was the first Topaz home in sixth place. Fion Tarplee (Topaz) was racing single hand for only the second time and to his credit executed the course without capsize or mishap to finish ahead of Rupert Manley, bravely, sailing single-handed in his North Sea Skiff. Young Sam Philips (Club Topaz) was on the water briefly but found the conditions a little too testing for his novice skills. Thanks to Terry Cook and Derek Redgeway for the on the water race management in the safety boat.

Results: 1, John Palser (Laser); 2, Mike Cook (Laser); 3, Brian Gray (Laser); 4, Martyn Tarplee (Laser); 5, Dave Peters and Andy DeRozareaux (Magno); 6, Daniel Rouncefield (Club Topaz); 7, Paul Gray (Club Topaz); 8, Fion Tarplee (Club Topaz); 9, Rupert Manley (North Sea Skiff); Sam Club Topaz) DNS.

Saturday July 11: No club sailing so members could compete at Penzance regatta. Several crews from the home club took their boats to Penzance for the event, but the regatta was cancelled/postponed because of the forecast gale force winds expected in the afternoon. The race officer arranged for two short races to be held in the morning for the dinghies. Twenty boats launched, six Lasers and 14 for the handicap fleet, but only Jon Keast and Alex Accleton (RS 800) stayed to represent the St Ives club.

Vago Nationals: Laser Vago National Champion Martin Rawling, from St Ives Sailing Club, contested the Vago National Championships at Felpham Sailing Club, near Bognor Regis. Martin has not had a regular crew this year but managed to recruit the services of Richard Keen from Arun Yacht Club for the event. Although Martin and Richard had never sailed together before, they put together a great campaign, never finishing outside the top three places in the six races and recording two firsts. Overall this put them in a creditable second place behind Richard's parents, Martin and Emma Keen, who became the new champions.

Surfing

UK PRO SURF TOUR COMES TO WATERGATE BAY:

This weekend will see the third stop on the UK Pro Surf Tour visiting Watergate Bay, Newquay. The leg is part of the annual Surf Relief Contest, which has grown over the past five years. In the women's event, Beth Mason and Gwen Spurlock from Swansea will be the two to watch. However, 17-year-old Zoe Sheath and 15-year-old Tass Swallow, from St Ives, are among other talented girls who could take the title. On the grommets tour the title is wide open with good performances coming from many of the surfers. Beau Bromham, from Croyde, in the U16 boys, Lucy Campbell from Woolacombe, in the U16 girls and Harry DeRoth, from St Ives, in the U12 open are all potential stars. SwimmingPENZANCE SWIMMING CLUB:Many club members have been in action this week, either swimming in the West Devon League, St Ives Biathlon, in the aquathlon on Sunday or bowling at the club social evening. On Saturday a full coach of swimmers and parents travelled to Plymouth for the last leg of the Cornwall and West Devon League. This was to be the last gala for head coach Jim Saulter before he retires from the club in August. All swimmers swam well and tried hard in the face of stiff competition, many achieving personal best times. Ian Jeffery beat two long standing club records for 100m men's backstroke in a time of 1.01.31and 100m Butterfly – 1.01.54. Individual races were won by Ella Mosley in the girl's 13/U girls Breaststroke, Luke Hollis Boys 15/U100m Backstroke and 100m Breaststroke and James Ryan Boys Open 100m Breaststroke, The girl's 13/U medley relay team –Rosie Web, Ella Mosley, Kerri Bridgman and Sophie Penney also won their relay. On the journey home the coach stopped for a celebratory dinner which was all enjoyed by all. The following swimmers achieved personal best times: Jack Trewhella, Luke Hollis, James Ryan, Ben Gilo, Ian Jeffery, Hannah Carson, Kate Eaves, Shannon O'Connell, Rosie Web, Lara Ruetsch, Naomi Rescorla-Brown, Harry Randall, Thomas Lamborne and Mark Worledge. The club thank all parents and supporters who travelled with the swimmers, the team managers, coach Julia Rescorla and head coach Jim Saulter for making it a successful gala. ● On Saturday the club are holding their annual outdoor gala in the Jubilee Pool. The event is due to start at 6pm. In the women's event, Beth Mason and Gwen Spurlock from Swansea will be the two to watch. However, 17-year-old Zoe Sheath and 15-year-old Tass Swallow, from St Ives, are among other talented girls who could take the title. On the grommets tour the title is wide open with good performances coming from many of the surfers. Beau Bromham, from Croyde, in the U16 boys, Lucy Campbell from Woolacombe, in the U16 girls and Harry DeRoth, from St Ives, in the U12 open are all potential stars.

Swimming

PENZANCE SWIMMING CLUB:

Many club members have been in action this week, either swimming in the West Devon League, St Ives Biathlon, in the aquathlon on Sunday or bowling at the club social evening. On Saturday a full coach of swimmers and parents travelled to Plymouth for the last leg of the Cornwall and West Devon League. This was to be the last gala for head coach Jim Saulter before he retires from the club in August. All swimmers swam well and tried hard in the face of stiff competition, many achieving personal best times. Ian Jeffery beat two long standing club records for 100m men's backstroke in a time of 1.01.31and 100m Butterfly – 1.01.54. Individual races were won by Ella Mosley in the girl's 13/U girls Breaststroke, Luke Hollis Boys 15/U100m Backstroke and 100m Breaststroke and James Ryan Boys Open 100m Breaststroke, The girl's 13/U medley relay team –Rosie Web, Ella Mosley, Kerri Bridgman and Sophie Penney also won their relay. On the journey home the coach stopped for a celebratory dinner which was all enjoyed by all. The following swimmers achieved personal best times: Jack Trewhella, Luke Hollis, James Ryan, Ben Gilo, Ian Jeffery, Hannah Carson, Kate Eaves, Shannon O'Connell, Rosie Web, Lara Ruetsch, Naomi Rescorla-Brown, Harry Randall, Thomas Lamborne and Mark Worledge. The club thank all parents and supporters who travelled with the swimmers, the team managers, coach Julia Rescorla and head coach Jim Saulter for making it a successful gala. ● On Saturday the club are holding their annual outdoor gala in the Jubilee Pool. The event is due to start at 6pm.