Frensham Frenzy at Frensham Pond Sailing Club
by Jim Morley 9 Mar 2009 12:06 GMT
8 March 2009
Sponsored by Guildford Marine.
Frensham’s Frenzy pre-season warm up event returned to its traditional format with weather and wind that threw everything in the book at the thirty-three competitors.
Sunny skies and a brisk south-westerly breeze in the morning turned to clouds, rain and then a hail squall that read forty knots on the electronic meter. By late afternoon it had become a case of fittest survive, with only a handful of finishers for the second race. The casualties with gear problems included some of Frensham’s most iconic names: Keith Videlo, Solo champion and Finn Legend Richard Hart, a veteran club founder member.
Twelve different classes raced, timed off the start by Portsmouth yardstick. In the frequently appalling conditions six helms and crews stood out. Dominant throughout was Terry Curtis from Upper Thames SC in his OK and the current holder of the trophy. Curtis had a tough contest with two local RS200 crews: Katrina Gilbert and Jenny Rust, and James Stewart and Elunid Jones. These were the consistent sailors regardless of the conditions and finished the contest in that order. First Laser was Frensham’s Ian Gregory followed by Chris Ellis and Ed Smith in their Lark. A special tribute must go to Bruce Hill sailing the only surviving 2.4R who battled the windward legs often partially flooded and with a non-functioning electric pump. Also the youngest and lightest combination, Alex Young and Christian Davis in their RS200 who overcame pre-start damage repairs, to battle the course, capsize and survive intact to compete another day.
The happiest moment came in the clubhouse at the end of the afternoon when exhausted competitors and club members had a Champagne celebration of Frensham’s Award as RYA Top Club of 2009. A presentation of wine was made to Commodore John Townsley and his wife Sally. Trophy winner, Terry Curtis made a speech of thanks especially for the safety boat crews who had had busy day. John Townsley asked for a special vote of thanks to Guildford Marine who have sponsored this event for many years and presented such fine prizes. Special thanks to Race Officer, Jeremy Hudson and event organiser Tim Hemsley.
Overall Results:
1st Terry Curtis (Upper Thames SC) OK dinghy
2nd & first ladies, Katrina Gilbert & Jenny Rust (Frensham) RS200
3rd James Stewart & Elunid Jones (Frensham) RS200
4th Ian Gregory (Frensham) Laser
5th Chris Ellis & Ed Smith (Frensham) Lark
6th Bruce Hill (Frensham) 2.4mR
Other Prizes:
1st Enterprize: Roger Carter & Keith Munday
1st Solo: Keith Videlo
Age 15-17: Alex Young & Christian Davis
Age 17- 20: Bryony Gregory
Special Prizes:
1st family: the Johnson’s – Merlin
1st Master, over 45: Chris Ellis
1st Grand Master: Richard Hart
For Endeavour: Colin Hammond
For spectacular capsize: Alex Young & Christian Davis