Inaugral Hayling Island Sailing Club Perisher Pursuit race

Light winds for the inaugral Hayling Island SC Perisher Pursuit race © Gerald New / www.sailweb.co.uk

Light winds for the inaugral Hayling Island SC Perisher Pursuit race © Gerald New / www.sailweb.co.uk

Light winds for the inaugral Hayling Island SC Perisher Pursuit race © Gerald New / www.sailweb.co.uk

Ben and Roz McGrane, sailing a Merlin Rocket, were winners of the inaugral Hayling Island SC Perisher Pursuit race from an entry of 65 boats, held in Chichester Harbour on Saturday (16 Feb). Second was the RS200 of David and Fiona Sayce, with third another Merlin, that of Richard Whitworth and Sarah Bines, all three from HISC.

Sailed in light wind conditions, first away was the Mirror of Nigel Thomas and Monique Vennis-Ozanne. For over two hours the HIll Head pair kept the chasing pack behind them, but with 15 minutes to go they were caught by the McGranes and eventually finished 22nd.

Fourth place went to Roger and Jane Gilbert in a Merlin Rocket, fifth to the National 12 of Jon Ibbotson and Andrea Ralph of Ranelagh SC, sixth was the leading Solo of Charlie Cumbley, seventh Tim Fells and Jerry Eplet, Merlin Rocket, eighth Pete Mitchell, Solo, ninth Ian Swan, RS700 and rounding out the leading ten, the Solo of Michael Sims from Carsington SC.

Following its successful debut, the Hayling Island SC Perisher Open Pursuit will take place each year in mid February. A full length pursuit race held on the top of the tide in the beautiful confines of Chichester Harbour.

Overall Results: (top 20)

Full results available at HISC website.