On possibly the best two sailing days of the season the Master Challenge Bowl and Master Challenge trophy were competed for. There were no competitors for the Challenge Trophy on the first day and there was a poor turnout for the Challenge Bowl, but there were a few more competitors on day two.  On day one  Roger Hodgkison run away with the race with Paul Smith getting a second in a Laser with Ben Skull taking third.  It's good to see Ben back on the water in his Dart 15. 

On day two, in beautiful sailing conditions the race started out at sea with three boats being over the line and only two returning to start again. Dai Griffiths and Tom Daniels thought they were OK but paid the price by not getting a hoot at the finish.  A lesson for us all, make sure you get your transits right on the start line.  The race was then between Roger Hodgkison in the Laser Rooster and John Bennett in the Tipsy9er, sorry misprint, the 59er.  John sailing with Paul Smith went like a bat out of hell and it was good to see Roger and John do battle once again.   Alan McNeil sailed a great race to take third place with Roger second, and John and Paul first. A special mention for Geoff Greenhall in the Dart 18 who apparently beat the other darts to the finish line on the second lap but stopped because he thought he had finished.   What can I say Geoff other than 'It's never over until it's over my boy', and I was there in front of the notice board when the Race Officer said "You will finish on a sausage".  It's a bit like "Starting on an egg" I suppose, but different?

In the Challenge Trophy Philip Young sailed his Solo to gain first place with a Laser 4.7 and one of three Picos being sailed taking third position. The names of the competitors will be mentioned as soon as I get my hands on the signing on sheets.  It was wonderful to see Jo Whiteoak sailing a Pico once again.  She is a great example of someone who thoroughly enjoys her sailing and who is prepared to have a go under any circumstances. Good on you Jo!!!!!!!!!!

This could be a first at Herne Bay Sailing Club when a member gets a 2nd and 3rd Place in a Cup competition because he sailed on both days in different boats.  Well done Smithy!!!!!!! 

A great spirit in the snug afterwards and a thank you to Jane and Rob for being great hosts behind the bar.  Another thank you to the race crew for setting a good course and being there for the rest of us to enjoy ourselves.  

Results

Challenge Bowl (Fast Fleet)

1st. Roger Hodgkison - Laser Rooster

2nd. John Bennett/Paul Smith - 49er

3rd. Paul Smith - Laser

Challenge Trophy (Slow Fleet)

1st Phil Young

2nd. Rebecca McNeil - Laser 4.7 

3rd. Robert Greenhall - Pico