Comet Trio Nationals at Exe Sailing Club

Racing on day one of the Comet Trio nationals at Exe © Mike Rice / www.fotoboat.com

The Comet Trio National Championships, held over 3 days at Exe Sailing Club, attracted 28 entries. Weather conditions varied from light airs with major shifts, to fresh F4 with waves, for some superb planning reaches. Despite all past champions being present the class has a new Champion in Iain Horlock, ably crewed by Debbie Woodcock, in 425 “Wild Thing”. Iain, aged 18, the youngest helm by far, overcame seasoned helmsmen (and women) with decades of serious racing experience between them.

In race 1, Iain, by working the port side of the course, pulled out an impressive lead on the beat, never to be seriously challenged, the first indication of things to come. Over 6 races he notched up 4 firsts, and worst result, a third. Les Arscott, crewed by Andy Williams in 374 “Deep Purple” had a bad first race (15th). Thereafter they got into gear with 2 wins, a second and a third with some impressive beats when the wind freshened.

3rd overall was keenly contested by two past Champions, Peter and Marjorie Scott in 265 “Dennis the Menace” and Andrew and Caroline McAusland in 472 “Piglet” (last years champions). Dennis the Menace got the edge with a 2nd in race 3.

Other sailors had their moment of glory. Guy Farrant and Marilynn Booker in 428 “Go with the Flow”, gained 2nd in race1, Symon Garratt and Nicki Groucut in 457 “Abigail Rose”, 2nd in race 2, Mike Sydenham and Colin Broady in 487 “White Lightning”, 2nd in race 6.

Keenly contested starts (2 general recalls), good courses and excellent sailing conditions, rounded off by a Karaoke evening and a dinner and dance to Exe Sailing Club’s own band “Girraffe” completed an excellent fun championship.

Overall Results: