RS200 SEAS (South Eastern Area Series) finale at Island Barn Reservoir Sailing Club

Saturday 27th Oct dawned bright, brisk and cold, with a definite sprinkling of frost glistening in the sunshine as sailors gathered at Island Barn for the rescheduled RS200 open and SEAS (South Eastern Area Series) finale.

Sadly the previous week had been a flat calm, so on general consensus the PRO raised a 168 hour postponement using all the flags in the storeroom, and the fleet dispersed to enjoy the afternoon in the delightful surroundings of Sunbury-on-Thames.

Dave Jessop & Clare Walsh leading at the leeward gate during the RS200 SEAS Open at Island Barn Reservoir - photo © Jim Champ

Being the SEAS finale, this event was to decide the overall winner of the series. Three boats were in contention: Andy 'Rocket Man' Peters, sailing with Jill 'Angry Badger' Peters were hot favourites, mostly because the other contenders didn't show up. Or rather, one of them - the esteemed Mr Julian 'not all there' Bradley - arrived missing his crew, who had more important things to be doing. Or perhaps she had been forgotten at a service station enroute, such is Julian's memory; he is 53 you know.

Dave Jessop & Clare Walsh lead Andy & Jill Peters at a windward mark rounding during the RS200 SEAS Open at Island Barn Reservoir - photo © Jim Champ

Thus the stage was set - Andy and Jill already had the series win, but pride was at stake to take the event win too. Alas it was not to be, as David Jessop and Claire Walsh proved a little too quick, winning the event with a 1,1,1,3,1 scoreline, with Andy and Jill second, and Dan Goodman and Jo Lloyd, having found a turn of speed after lunch, third.

Thus, after a quick rub with a crusty sock, Andy received the gleaming and rather splendid SEAS trophy, and cream teas were enjoyed by all.

Dave Jessop & Clare Walsh at speed heading for the line to win race 3 during the RS200 SEAS Open at Island Barn Reservoir - photo © Jim Champ