Fifteen boats signed in for the first series race on a beautiful evening with a North Westerly wind Force 2-3. It was an exciting sight as there was much rushing around on the slipway as many of the sailors were rigging their boats for the first time this season.
In the Laser fleet Kian Andrews had a superb start ahead of his four rivals and maintained his lead throughout – with Neil Ruffell and Claire Edkins battling hard for second and third.
It was the battle of the “RS” in the Handicap Fleet with Ben Deighton and crew Jeremy Gilbert in the RS400 managing to maintain a lead over Liz Munro and crew Bern Irwin in the RS200 when the results were calculated in the clubhouse
There were six Enterprises on the water – it was an incredibly close race with Giles Gilbert (crew Di Stephens) pushing Colin Stephens (crew Simon Lees) for first place throughout. It continued until a few metres from the finish line – Colin winning by a mere boat’s length as he closely cover tacked with a great deal of good humoured rivalry as they were sailing side by side.
As there was only the two mirrors – junior Sebi Schmidt single-handed and Fleet Captain Eric Taylor with his junior crew Lloyd Williams – they started with the Laser Fleet. Both Mirrors were waiting at the start line promising a fast start – however as the horn sounded – two lasers passed them – a third went straight on and as Eric turned to go around the mark he touched the third laser. The resulting 720 degree penalty turn for Eric enabled Sebi to establish a strong lead. Eric and Lloyd enjoyed the chase and started to close the gap. As they began the beat Eric managed to pull in front – maintaining a small lead until the finish
