Starcross Steamer at Starcross Yacht Club
by Jeremy Lees 16 Feb 2004 07:16 GMT
15th February 2004
There were 64 entries for the 14th Starcross Steamer 150 minute pursuit race, held on the river Exe, on 15th February 2004, in a warm, sunny force two northerly breeze.
There were twenty three different classes, from one Solo to two RS 800s, including thirteen Lasers, with two different rigs, and eight National Twelves.
First away was the Solo, with Richard Lawrence quickly overtaken by previous winner Chris Gill in his Europe.
Chris Gill led for the first hour and a half of the race, at times pulling away from Mark and Hannah Philips in their National Twelve and Andy McAusland and Nicky Groucutt from Exe in their Comet Trio.
Also chasing hard were the five-strong group of Phantoms led by Graham Scott and the seven Merlin Rockets led by Starcross sailor Dave Lee.
The RS800s were not favoured in the relatively light conditions but, even so, Paul Kelley managed to secure the capsize trophy directly in front of the clubhouse much to the amusement of the watching crowd.
At the two and a half hour gun, Mark and Hannah Philips in the National 12 took the finish from Andrew McAusland in the Comet Trio, Graham Scott in the Phantom was third.
First Laser was Bob Cudmore from Sutton Bingham SC, and furthest travelled were Merlin sailors Paul and Sally Gilbert from Thames club Ranelagh.
First Lady helm was Tina Mackie with crew Ian Smith of Starcross.
Overall Results:
1st Nat 12 3281 Mark Philips Hannah Philips Starcross
2nd Comet Trio 427 Andrew McAusland Nicky Groucutt Exe
3rd Phantom 1153 Graham Scott RYA
4th Nat 12 3295 Tim Laws Sam Game Starcross
5th Europe 352 Chris Gill Portishead
6th Merlin Rocket 3576 Dave Lee Matt Buckle Starcross
7th Hornet 2154 Richard Garry Olly Turner Starcross
1st Laser: 174961, Bob Cudmore of Sutton Bingham SC
Furthest Travelled: Merlin Rocket 3613, Paul and Sally Gilbert of Ranelagh SC
1st Lady Helm: National 12 3247, Tina Mackie and Ian Smith of Starcross YC
Many thanks to all those whose hard work made this event such a success, with particular thanks to Flag Captain, Tony Blackmore and Race Officer, Nick Gough.
More Photos:
A huge selection of great photos from the event, taken by Mike Rice are at www.fotoboat.com
More Information: