Inaugural Symmetric Hikers Challenge at Rutland Sailing Club
by William Jeffcoate 16 Jul 2007 10:49 BST
14-15 July 2007
The first challenge meeting between non-trapeze classes with symmetrical spinnakers and a PN <1200 was generously sponsored by Speed Sails, Sunsail, Superspars, Harken, Paintcraft, Fotoboat and Dinghy Sailing Magazine, and was a great success.
The PRO chose a trapezoid course – with shortish runs and some cracking spinnaker reaches – especially in Saturday’s 16-22 knot wind. On each day there was a 70 minute pursuit race, and two handicaps back-to-back.
Dave and Mike Hannan (Scorpion 1930, Netley SC) were clear winners of the first pursuit, ahead of Matt Biggs and Tom Chadfield (Merlin), Tom Jeffcoate and Andy Smith (Scorpion), Tobi Watson and Chris Miller (Merlin) and Richard Dee and Phil Scott (Merlin). Biggs and Chadfield won the next two breezy handicaps.
Sunday’s wind was lighter and although Richard and Sarah Mason (Scorpion) just pipped Biggs and Chadfield in the pursuit with Tim Parsons and Sarah Maguire (Scorpion 1962, Lyme Regis) third.
The event winners won the next two handicaps ahead of the pack, with Janet Gatehouse and Adam Ritchie (Scorpion, Chipstead), Jennifer and Trevor Whiting (Wayfarer 10189, Norfolk Broads YC), David Hearsum and Gareth Fay (Kestrel, Hickling Broad), Rich Bennett and Nicola Booth (Lark, Staunton Harold) enjoying moments of glory.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Boat Type | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | Pts |
|---|
| 1st | Merlin Rocket | 3665 | Matt Biggs | Tom Chadfield | Blithfield | 6 |
| 2nd | Scorpion | 1986 | Tom Jeffcoate | Andy Smith | Notts County | 17 |
| 3rd | Merlin Rocket | 3680 | Tobi Watson | Chris Miller | Helensburgh | 20 |
| 4th | Merlin Rocket | 3610 | Richard Dee | Phil Scott | Midland | 21 |
| 5th | Scorpion | 1997 | Richard Mason | Sarah Mason | Notts County | 25 |