Essex Sailing Championships at Stone Sailing Club

Essex Sailing Championships at Stone © Nick Champion / www.championmarinephotography.co.uk

Essex Sailing Championships at Stone © Nick Champion / www.championmarinephotography.co.uk

Despite the dreary weather forecast for the bank holiday weekend, over 50 boats competed in the Essex Sailing Championships at Stone SC, starting with a long distance race on Saturday & followed by four more races round the club racing marks over the Sunday & Monday. There were four separate starts & five fleets, Superfast handicap, fast handicap, show handicap, Squibs & Juniors.

The long distance race saw light winds and a bit of an adventure for the competitors, with the fleets sailing down the estuary to round The Doctor mark off Osea Island and the faster fleets then sailing on around Radio Caroline, which broadcasts from an old red ship moored in the estuary off Bradwell.

The event was held in generally light N/NE winds, with the best wind on the last day but unfortunately the rain set in for the last race.

Entertainment, a champagne tea and two dinners were all included in the entry fee resulting in a very sociable event, with many sailors vowing to return next year for this annual event.

The Superfast fleet was comprehensively won by Trevor Bawden & Eddie Smith in Hurricane 481 who won all five races. The fast handicap fleet was a closer contest, with Gareth Caldwell in his International Canoe beating Samuel Curtis and Benjamin Clegg in their 49er by just one point.

Essex Sailing Championships at Stone - photo © Nick Champion / www.championmarinephotography.co.uk

In the slow handicap fleet, the Blazes took the first four positions, with Andy McIvor winning four races to take the trophy. Matt & Jacqui Smith won the Squib fleet and Zak Clarke won the Juniors in his Topper.

Thanks to Champion Marine Photography for taking photos at the event.

Stone SC looks forward to welcoming visitors again next year over the August Bank Holiday.

Overall Results: