IOM Unicorn Trophy and Round 1 Met & Southern Championship at Chipstead Sailing Club

IOM Unicorn Trophy and Round 1 Met & Southern Championship at Chipstead © Stuart Ord-Hume

IOM Unicorn Trophy and Round 1 Met & Southern Championship at Chipstead © Stuart Ord-Hume

Sixteen sailors arrived at Chipstead SC on a very breezy Sunday morning to contest round one of the Met & Southern IOM championship and the club Unicorn trophy. Whilst there was a light drizzle, the breeze was westerly mid-twenties mph gusting into the high thirties mph.

As many sailors rigged in the comfort of the large clubhouse, the race team laid a 130 metre windward leeward course.

Following the briefing, racing commenced with all but one boat sporting rig-3. All the sailors were, eager to race and this resulted in three general recalls before the fleet got under way.

Race one was taken by Peter Stollery, chased home by Trevor Binks and Nigel Barrow. Peter was sailing his Isotonic as a pre-Nationals setup exercise for his son Oliver. Race two was gusty and was taken by Vernon Appleton followed by Dorian Crease and Julia Hancock.

Julia took race three with Dave Cockerill just a couple of metre behind. Vernon was back on form for race four and it was John Taylor sailing his immaculate wooden Rubix who took race five.

Seven races were accomplished before lunch was taken at 12:20hrs. Garven Mckie, assisted by Robin Aldcroft, served up a delicious hot chilli con carne with rice and French bread.

At the lunch halt, positions at the front of the fleet were tight. Vernon took the lead with 24 points closely followed by Peter and Martin Wilson on 25 points. Nigel was just behind on 28 points. Three boats were in the thirties and four more in the forties.

Racing recommenced at 13:30 hrs with several sailors changing up to rig-2. This was a brave and challenging move as the gusts were comfortably in the nose diving range. Nigel was quick to take race 8, followed by Dorian. Trevor took race nine with home club sailor Peter Crisp in second place. Peter Stollery now found his pace winning four of the next seven races. Dorian and Vernon also had consistent afternoon sessions.

IOM Unicorn Trophy and Round 1 Met & Southern Championship at Chipstead - photo © Stuart Ord-Hume

A very special thanks must go to Chipstead club sailor Stuart Ord-Hume who manned the rescue boat all day and was kept busy collecting boats which had ceased to respond or had locked together with another boat. A great job in winds gusting into the low forties.

Sailing came to an end around 15:30 hrs after sixteen races had been sailed. Sailors packed away their boats and sails and adjourned to the clubhouse for a welcome hot drink and cake whilst results were being calculated.

PRO and club radio lead Dave Allinson presented the prizes down to sixth place with a bottle of wine.

Peter Stollery thanked the Chipstead race team for the days racing praising the club facilities, the hot lunch and the great racing.

Many thanks to Chris Heath, Garven Mckie and Stuart Ord-Hume and Robin Aldcroft for their help in running this event.

Overall Results:

First Chipstead boat prize - Peter Crisp
First lady - Julia Hancock