Herne Bay Sailing Club

On a day with a choppy sea and not much wind, it seems that everyone wanted to show their boat handling skills on the line before the start of the race.  There were the Bennetts, the Goltons (all three) and Paul Smith /Tom Daniels all unable to hold their position due to a strong tide, and not much wind.  With boats drifting backwards and others creaping over the line at the start, it was only the 59er that was able to scream away in clear air.  It's very easy sailing the race from the comfort of the club Sun Deck watching competitors tack out into the current only to slide backwards whilst those who hugged the coast got forward momentum (Brian somehow being the exception, staying out and still doing well).  In these conditions forward movement is the main aim. 

 

The Bennett boys got away into clear air and Hannah Golton sailed a very conservative race which was what was needed in these conditions, (make as few mistakes as possible, keep up your boat speed, and don't take any risks).  A great tacking duel emerged with Paul out-foxing Brian until he had gear failure (That's what happens when you borrow some old duffer's boat). Although the Bennett boys won the fast fleet race it was Hannah Golton who was ahead on corrected time in a course that was ideal for the laser sailors.  Paul having given Brian a scare woke him from his slumber and Brian doesn't need a second invitation.  Brian did well in these conditions to beat the Hogbens over the water as their larger sails and boat speed saw them pull away from the other 2000 downwind. 

 

1st The Bennetts-59er

2nd The Goltons-Laser 2000 

3rd The Hogbens-RS Vision

1st hannah Golton-Laser 4.7

2nd John Ormiston-Solo

3rd David Sinclair-Comet Zero

Having not learned from the first race many competitors tried to out wit each other on the line once again with boats drifting back and colliding with others. Brian Golton drifted into so many other boats he would still be doing his turns now if he had not decided to call it a day. Other than the 59er who always has a light boat speed advantage in these conditions, the boats that made a good start were those who held back and shot through the gaps keeping up their boat speed, Paul Smith being one of these who learned form the first race. Guy Alexander and Allan McNeil also sailed a good race learning from Hannah's tactics in the first race. Paul Smith did well to get away form the Vision on the beat, but those RS boats have greater downwind speed and attention to wind shifts will get them ahead every time. 

 

I'm afraid that I had to leave the commentators box at this stage and couldn't comment on the rest of the race.  A good turnout, and hopefully there will be a little more wind next week.  Well done to all, shame there is so little of the season left.  Let's make the next 4 weeks memorable with good turnouts.

1st The Bennetts-59er

2nd Guy Alexander-laser

3rd Allan McNeil-Laser

1st David Sinclair-Comet Zero

2nd Hannah Golton-Laser 4.7

3rd John Ormiston-Solo