SAILINGBRADING HAVEN YC
THE club’s Frostbite Series had a dramatic finish on Sunday, with sailors fighting to keep their boats going in the blustery conditions.
Although four fast handicap boats took to the water, Roger Herbert chose not to take his Wayfarer to the line leaving the two Lasers of Simon Cooper and Bob Owen to face the challenge with Marten Springett in his RS Vario.
Marten succumbed first, capsizing on the second lap and having to retire after becoming entangled with a mooring. A lap later it was Bob’s turn to require assistance in getting his mast out of the mud having turned turtle leaving Simon to complete one final lap before his out-haul gave way.
The three Scows fared much better in the testing conditions, with Jodie Dyer taking an early lead to remain unchallenged during the three-lap race, with David Earee beating Mike Quinn on the final tack to take second.
GURNARD SC
Almost 30 intrepid helms took to the water for the final race of the year in winds gusting 20 knots.
Inevitably, in the challenging conditions, there were some casualties, particularly in the tricky RS100 class where the only finisher of six was Chris Gillies.
Pete Newlands won the RS400 class over a plucky Mike Acton, who chased him hard all the way down the final downwind leg.
In the fast handicap, James Downer sailed his B15 skiff to victory over Martin Scott, while in the Lasers, Georgia Caws did not have the weight to seriously challenge Martin Bean. Harry Carter sailed well to take third.
In the final group, the Fevas of James Doig and Jack Elsom took first and second guns respectively but Alex Paterson’s competent handling of her Pico meant that she took first place on handicap.
Following the racing, the season’s trophies were presented by Vern Bowen, retiring race officer. Rear Commodore Judith French thanked Vern for many years’ tireless work for the club.
Among those singled out for special praise following a successful season’s sailing were Harry Carter (most improved cadet), Harry Blowers, winner of the Club Championships and Georgia Caws, winner of the Gurnard Youth Shield.
The Westbrook Trophy, awarded to the season’s most successful helm, went to RS700 sailor, Keith Hayden.
An end-of-season working party takes place tomorrow (Saturday), and sailing starts again on March 4.
ROYAL VICTORIA YC
The final race of the Frostbite series saw familiar weather conditions for the competitors — windy and cold, but with a beautiful calm sea as the breeze was off-shore.
All the Cruisers were present for the first race. From the gun, Tim Haslam’s Millie Mo, crewed by Sally and Eric Hardman, which won on handicap from Mark Weeks’ Pendragon, and Alan Colville’s Con Brio third.
However, there was only one winner overall — Tony Pope’s Mad Hatter, whose two firsts and two seconds showed how consistent they were ahead of Pendragon and Ivan Macaulay’s Knave.
In the Squibs, David Lloyd and Keith Evans led from start to finish in Blood Sweat and Tears. Second was taken by Sally Everitt and Julie Prime, with Hillary Martin close behind in third.
Overall, it was plain sailing for David Lloyd with four firsts, ahead of Everitt and Martin.
In the fast dinghies, George Downer pipped Bradley McLaughlin over a long course, with Neil Griffiths and Mark Turner third.
Overall, it was Downer a very commendable first with the improving Nigel Talbot second, and Griffiths and Turner third.
Finally, the Oppies race saw three brothers, Charlie, Tom and Harry White doing battle, with Tom taking the spoils from Harry and Charlie respectively.
Consistent Tom won overall from Harry and Alex Downer.
Racing was followed by a packed prize-giving, honouring the success of our sailors not only domestically but also nationally and even internationally.