Hi all

On Wednesday last week I attended the latest Access Travellers Trophy event in Oxford. We were all very surprised by the lack of competitors at this event because it is a relatively neutral positioned event for everyone concerned. Having said this it was the first one straight after the world Championships 10 days ago.

There was three Liberty competitors at this event but Melvin had technical problems with his boat meaning he was unable to race. This meant there were just two of us racing in the Liberty division which made it relatively boring but still we did for races, David won three and I beat him once.

David has been the UK Liberty champion two years on the trot so I didn't really stand a chance to consistently beat him. In the first three races I was trying different starting positions along the line as it was a good opportunity with so few boats to do this

On the third race I was called back after the start gun had gone because I was over the line.

In the final race I was tracking David throughout the first lap and I knew I had to do something different to him on the second lap which would enable me to overtake him. I decided to stay on one tack right the way up until I made the turn for the mark. I was quite surprised when I reached the Windward Mark that I made it 10-15 seconds ahead of David. I managed to keep this lead until I reached the finish line.

Anyway I still came second which will work wonders for my championship!

Keith