Ringwood Open

Fifteen eager Mothies turned up to the inaugural Ringwood open. Race one of this most unusual event was won by Tom Whicher followed by James Roche, who succeeded in being an hour and a half early for the first start. That almost unheard of occurrence set the tone for the rest of the event.

Race two started cleanly, with Emma (still Wilkins) showing the fleet a clean set of heels down the Aisle to the sounds of the 'Top Gun' soundtrack. Certain members of the fleet were seen to weep (as they reminisced about the day Goose died).

New Mothie Chris Bishop took race three by a clear margin, running rings around both Cookes and leading services brilliantly from start to finish.

Mike was the clear winner of race four, setting a difficult to follow example to the rest of the males in the fleet and guaranteeing him sailing leave for the next few years with a bright red start to married life. Adam and Katherine were tied for a photo finish in a tight fourth race.

James took race five, as always going fastest and hardest and working the Pimms jug like his life depended on it, setting himself up strongly for the 'Accidentally entering the Mongol rally' slalom event, and the bottom mark slurring contest. A special mention to Rod at this point, who’s punishing training schedule obviously took its toll on him as he had to retire from the rest of the event to get home for a cup of horrlicks and bed.

Race six was marred by an invasion of what can only be described as 'Bridesmaids' onto the dancefloor, led by the new Mrs Cooke (nee Wilkins). Fortunately some strong competition from Tom Whicher managed to scare most of them away; however Emma clearly won this race with an unbeatable combination of style and enthusiasm. Fun Adie, having disappointed his freshly prepped new following of eager ladies by arriving in a particularly boring way and having no 20p's in his pockets made a brief return to form on the bottom reach with a rendition of 'soup on his head'. Unfortunately he stuffed it in on the gybe mark and wasn't seen on the dance floor again until the final race.

Emma and Mike had amassed enough points to finish first and second at this point, and elected to sit out the final race, leaving the stage clear for the rest of fleet to battle it out for the remaining places.

The final race was taken cleanly by Adam may, entering onto the dance floor for the first time (ever?) and displaying a clear knowledge of the boogie woogie and the Jackson Five. Inspired by their squadron leader, the remaining fleet took to the floor in the first ever Strictly come Mothie RunDMC danceoff, dominated by Andrew friend and his headbanging style, and finished neatly with repeated Klinsmans and Top Gun body slides. Unfortunately, Alex and Helen had to retire due to gear failure (or was it to check each others gear?) before this race and both scored disappointing DNC's.

Special mention to the race officers Mr and Mrs Wilkins for setting some fair courses in very difficult conditions, and manning a BBQ in a strong prevailing wind, and the assembled bridesmaids, sisters and mexicans who made it such an special event for everyone.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HAPPY COUPLE!!

Final Standings:
1) Emma Cooke (Not so fat bottomed bride)
2) Mike Cooke (Obviously the real winner here, bonus points for getting married in aviators)
3) James Roche (All or nothing)
4) Tom Whicher (Huh?)
4) Adam May (Never going to dance again)
5) Katherine Knight (Best dressed by far)
6) Andrew Friend (Nuisance machines prove a hit with the ladies)
7) Chris Bishop (Lord of the Rings - will he be Lord of the wings in his new RX?)
8) Fun Adie (Turned up with no 20ps)
9) Jason Russel (Red hot spicy Salsa)
10) Leo Carswell (Strong performance, moving steadily up the fleet)
11) Sam Pascoe (Powerful moves, dressed for the workshop)
12) Martin Fear (Fearless)
13) Alan Watson (Z flagged for not dancing)
14) Helen Rollinson (Rollys Bakery to sponsors the traveller’s series 2010?)
15) Alex Adams (Black flagged from race six for a horrid new beard)
16) Rod Harris (only on a half day pass)





(Thanks and all copyright Adam May for the Photos)