Bart's Bash at Highcliffe Sailing Club

by Stephanie McCormick 24 Sep 2014 10:09 BST 21 September 2014

Highcliffe Sailing Club were thrilled to participate in 'Barts Bash' on Sunday 21st September. In memory of Andrew 'Bart' Simpson, the event was organised across the world to raise money for the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation.

Blessed with fantastic sailing conditions, 15 boats signed on to race at sea. In 20 degrees, beautiful sunshine and with a gusty North Easterly, the Race Committee set a simple triangular course, well out in the bay. Despite what initially appeared to be benevolent weather conditions, the increasing wind speed and breaking waves proved tricky for some, with several capsizes before the start of the race.

A good clean start saw Pete Bell, Europe, Jamie Perry, Laser Radial, and Josh McCormick, Laser Radial, vying for first over the line. Glory was short lived as they were quickly overtaken by Kev Chapman and Matt Bates in the RS400, storming the course with gennaker out in glorious technicolour. Several places were lost and gained on the windward leg. With a variety of tactics heading towards the windward mark, boats were stretched far and wide. By the second lap the increasing wind was making heavy work for those heading upwind. Despite the mother of all hangovers Ken Fowler stuck it out and by lap 3 was close to the front of the pack.

First timers Chris and Charlotte Lake provided the entertainment in the RS Vision, initially making excellent progress they were cut down in their prime with a spectacular capsize on the gybe mark which lost them several places. David Burrows, Laser, was also putting in a good performance along with Lorrian Wells. In the end, despite the majestic beauty of the double handers, Lasers took the top three spots.

Overall Results: (top three)

1st Ken Fowler
2nd John Phelps
3rd Josh McCormick

The club raised £265 in donations to the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. Results are still being loaded and may change but at present congratulations go to Lorrian Wells who is showing on the Bart's Bash leaderboard as the 6th fastest lady helm sailing on the day!