Graduate Point Series commences at Chipstead Sailing Club

Graduate Point Series commences at Chipstead © Alistair Roaf

Graduate Point Series commences at Chipstead © Alistair Roaf

On Sunday 6th April the Chipstead Graduate point series for 2014 was commenced. Chipstead sailing club located near Sevenoaks, Kent, is home for a large Graduate class fleet. By way of example, last year, 23 boats competed in the series with 17 qualifying.

Six boats started on Sunday in a gusting and shifting south-southwest force 3 to 5 wind. First round the windward mark was Roger Cherill, 2962, followed by Andrew Hubble, 3000. Closely chasing were Peter Flory, 3006, and Bob Murrell, 3008 (last year's series winner). Just behind the lead pack was octogenarian Charlie Dutton, 2931.

Racing for the first lap was close. Unfortunately for Bob and Maggie Murrell the head lashing of their new jib worked loose forcing them to retire. At the windward mark for the second lap, Roger Cherill got hit by a gust while tacking and capsized. This allowed Andrew Hubble with his daughter, Charlotte, crewing to take the lead. Further back Peter and Charlie were meeting each other tack for tack.

As the race progressed, Andrew consolidated his lead and Peter worked clear of Charlie. On the final lap, Andrew sailed into a hole while Peter planed after him in a separate gust closing the distance between first and second. Andrew found the wind again and maintained his position to take first. Peter was happy with his second and best result for several years. Special mention goes to Howard and Jilly Batchelor who sailed a steady race to get their fourth which was a great result for them.

This year's season looks like it will again be hotly contested with two members awaiting delivery of brand new FRP boats showing that the Graduate fleet at Chipstead continues to maintain its strength.

Day 1 results:

Graduate Point Series commences at Chipstead - photo © Alistair Roaf