Annual Regatta at Hampton Sailing Club
by Derek May 23 Jun 2008 00:47 BST
21-22 June 2008
The weekend started with a brisk South Westerly wind which was to produce some close racing amongst the 24 boats which turned out on the Saturday. At the end of the first day, which consisted of two races, in the Merlin class 2018 sailed by Hywel Perkins and crewed by George Thomas had won both the opening races whilst 1222 with Richard Page and 3600 with Rob Heath each recorded a second place.
In the GP14 class both 10566 helmed by Keith Edwards, crewed by Nicky Goulter and 10737 with Kevin and Maddie Anderson each recorded a first and second place.
The Enterprises saw 23218 helmed by Philip Chambers crewed by Oliver Jenkins take two firsts, whilst 22628 from Minima Yacht Club with Steve and Kathy Collins taking a second along with 20497 with Stuart Jenkins and Emily Varga claiming second place in the other race.
The Handicap fleet had a Signet from Aquarius Sailing club helmed by Richard Cannon crewed by Ken Ayres taking one race, with a Comet Versa sailed by George and Chris Bell taking the honours in the other race.
The Sunday was to see a significant increase in the wind speed with gusts of over 30 knots being recorded throughout the day and this was to lead to some very exciting racing with lots of thrill and spills. Despite the increased wind speed the turnout had increased with 35 boats now entered for the day. It was certainly a very good day for the spectators who witnessed some excellent sailing interspersed with some moments of high drama. There were several capsizes amongst all of the classes racing and it was a tribute to the skill of all involved that so many of those who did capsize managed to right their boats and carry on sailing with virtually nobody needing outside assistance.
The Merlins once again had Hywel Perkins, Richard Page and Rob Heath contesting for honours and John Bell in 1201 also staking a place for honours with a win in the 3rd race.
The GP14s had Kevin Anderson, now crewed by Derek May win the first two races with Keith Edwards taking second spot in each of these. The third race being taken by Trevor Phillips and Jaki Pring.
Steve and Kathy Collins were to win the first two races on the day with Stuart Jenkins winning the last race.
In the Handicap fleet a Laser 146184 sailed by Johnny Garlick won two races with George and Chris Bell taking the other race.
Overall Results:
Merlin
1st 2018 Hywel Perkins crewed by George Thomas
2nd 3600 Rob Heath crewed by Ben Heath
3rd 1222 Richard Page crewed by Deidre Bell
GP14
1st 10737 Kevin Anderson crewed by Derek May
2nd 10566 Keith Edwards crewed by Nicky Goulter
3rd 13065 Keith McArthur crewed by Alison Woods
Enterprise
1st 22628 Steve and Kathy Collins
2nd 23218 Phil Chambers crewed by Oliver Jenkins
3rd 20497 Stuart Jenkins crewed by Gavin Ferguson
Handicap class
1st Comet Versa, George and Chris Bell
2nd Signet, Richard Canon crewed by Ken Ayres
3rd Laser, Johnny Garlick
Prize awarded by Guildford Marine for the best Junior sailors were awarded to Charles Anderson crewed by Susie Bell sailing a Merlin.