On the Water 29/5/19
Published 17:27 on 29 May 2019
An excellent Scow capers last Wednesday - super weather and sufficient breeze to keep the fleet of 18 boats moving along - a great outing for all participants. The Christchurch Keg was sailed on Saturday with a reduced fleet and was won by Stuart Percival. Bank holiday Monday evening, with a depleted fleet due to the hour and a stiff breeze, the Stuart Percival Cup was sailed for by 3 boats. Owing to mysterious problems (!) encountered near the finish line by Graham Fairbrass and Paul Mecklenberg, all 3 managed to cross the finish line virtually simultaneously, with Nigel Burt taking line honours! The supporters on the club balcony were much entertained by the antics of the 3 scowers and then the Commodore came along to put his cruiser on his mooring, but luckily timed it for when the scows were on another part of the course!
It was a busy weekend on the water in Class 4. Saturday's Norman Cummings Cup was raced, sorry I have no results to share as of yet. Race1&2 of the Sea Inter Club Series took place on Sunday afternoon with 11 dinghies from Mudeford, Highcliffe and Christchurch competing in a pleasant 18kt breeze. A square course was laid with 1/4 mile legs. Gary Langdown (HSC) soon had a commanding lead in both races but on handicap he shared a joint lead with Jack Acton (CSC) in a Laser. On the water there was close racing between Lorrian Wells (HSC) Aero5 3rd overall, Graham Platt (HSC) Aero7 4th overall and Alex Atkins (CSC) Finn 5th overall. Thanks to all those who helped run the races.14 boats took part in Monday's Ringwood Boar trophy race again the breeze was perfect…..well done to Jack Acton who brought his laser home in first place. Evening series races have now begun and another busy weekend of sailing is programmed.
Away from CSC Richard Phillips was competing in the Harwich Town Sailing Club Finn Open meeting and came in the top ten following a gruelling 6 races. Chris Arnell was sailing at Notts County SC as they hosted a number of RS300's within their own Spring Regatta which by all accounts was a well attended event and an enjoyable one!! Well done Chris.
From the Juniors.....report for the past two weeks...............A very productive and full three fleet Race Training session on a Thursday night ended with a great race round our harbour course. Great conditions and very close racing-Well done to everyone who attended and helped! The Friday night was not so easy-with no breeze at all and rain greeting our 45 young sailors who enjoyed getting out on the Stour on our fleet of de-rigged Toppers and the giant paddleboard. A fantastic time was had by all!
Also, away from CSC, Francesca New represented us at Grafham Water -although sadly it was wet and pretty windless too, but all good practice. Will Sears took to the water in the Two Up Cup over the weekend - no mean feat - with Jade. Great team effort you two! This was the second race in the series and continues to encourage new combinations of sailors to participate.
4 cruisers competed in the Round the Shingles race and with 2 retiring the winners were the Ridout Family in "Blu V". As cruisers begin to set sail for distant shores don't forget to keep a good log for the club competition entry - Bon Voyage and safe travels.
We were pleased to welcome George and 3 RS Aero's to the club for a demo opportunity, 7 sailors went out over the 2 days then ladies sailing enjoyed an evening trying them out (although our raft up for a cheeky prosecco was a bit too eventful as the breeze picked up!) If you missed having a go and would like to try them out, they will be at Highcliffe Sailing club June 13-15th.
Sue Haynes
Last updated 06:02 on 22 September 2022