Paul Smith Memorial Day at Herne Bay Sailing Club
by Harvey Burwin & Mark Barnes 24 Jul 2014 10:13 BST
19 July 2014
Friends and family of Paul Smith headed to Herne Bay on the north Kent coast to celebrate a short but full life. Paul would have been 26 last week He was an accomplished ballet dancer and sailor. It was the latter that proved the stronger and more important for him. He found employment at North Sails One Design in Segensworth Hampshire and had a very happy time there. Alas it was not to be for long as he succumbed to Leukaemia and Lymphoma and died 3 years later.
The event was the celebration of a person who was a very chirpy chap and never had a bad thing to say, and what a day it was. A venue with the atmosphere of laughter running alongside the tears. What a tribute it was.
With B14s, Merlins, Hornets and a few other classes turning up to join the local fleet, it was to be a great day.
RO Jon Silk and his team, had a plan in mind for the afternoon's races and was studying the seaweed to ascertain if the wind would play along and monitoring registration to see the spread of handicaps he would need to cater for in the pursuit race. The B14s and Merlin Rockets were greatly admired, including Mark Barnes' new Merlin "Dancing Brave (Smiffy)" that was christened on the day. In all 33 boats started the races – a magnificent sight.
With the Race Team aboard the Committee boat, kindly loaned by Ian Wild of Wild Times/Whitstable YC, the course was set offshore to allow for the low tide and with the windward mark close to the club which would allow spectators to view some of the racing.
Sun deck, in all its glory, was enhanced by a giant screen beaming live video of the races, was kindly provided by Dave and Nick Whiteoak of Video Illusions.
The Topper of Victoria Pope led the 90 minute charge, followed by a succession of classes, all being chased down by the B14s led by Team Ullman (Mark Watts/Dave Hall). Despite starting over 30 minutes after most of the slower boats, it wasn't long before Hornets, B14s and Merlins were overtaking most of the fleet before drawing in the quicker club members including the Albacore (Colin Simth/Ceilidh Higgs (Paul's Dad and girlfriend)). Merlin 3736 (Judith Massey/Graham Williamson) took line honours followed by Merlin 3763 (Mark Barnes/Hamish Kilburn), Albacore and B14 of Team Ullman. The 38 year old Wayfarer 6666 (Nathan Hudson/Gareth Griffiths) came home 5th with Paul's mum Liz having a rare outing in another wayfarer helmed by Martin Malley, finished a commendable 28th.
The second race, a standard handicap race was always going to be about the start as everybody knew how competitive a number of the field would be. RO was feeling particularly generous when he sounded the start a second early to prevent a third of the fleet being over the line, but this did not stop Merlin 3763, which had to return. The B14s in particular fought new challenges as their circuit usually sails a windward/leeward course and the rectangular course had them drawing on old skills to compete.
The race was won again by Merlin 3736 followed by Hornet 2176 (Toby/Dawn Bardsley-Dale) with a recovering Merlin 3763 in 3rd, B14 Ullman Sails 4th and Wayfarer 6666 with Feva 999 (Sam/Michael Dyer) joint 5th.
With boats safely ashore and de-rigged, stories of Paul and races past were shared long into the night along with a marathon BBQ and 3 hours of local entertainer Dave Shepherd who had the dance floor filled. With festivities finishing at midnight a great day was had by all. Particular thanks must go to all those people who provided their services for free and made the day happen. On the day the event raised approximately £700 for Leukaemia research.
Top 5 Results:
1. Merlin 3736, Judith Massey & Graham Williamson
2. Merlin 3763, Mark Barnes & Hamish Kilburn
3. B14 791, Mark Watts & Dave Hall
4. Wayfarer 6666, Nathan Hudson & Gareth Griffiths
5. Hornet 2176, Toby Barsdley-Dale & Dawn Bardsley-Dale