Miracle Southern Area Champs at Margate Yacht Club
by Don Gray 18 Jul 2008 12:44 BST
12-13 July 2008
If Chas & Dave had come ”Down to Margate” this weekend they’d have been greeted with the fine sight of a fleet of Miracles competing in the Miracle Southerns.
Margate Yacht Club once again hosted this popular event in the Miracle calendar with racing over two days in a variety of conditions from pretty darned breezy to dead calm.
Saturday was the day for those who liked a bit of breeze with gusts up to force 5, & with a strong ebb tide making mark rounding a trifle tricky for some, those used to sea sailing had the distinct advantage. Reports of a seal bobbing up in the middle of the course to take a look didn’t appear to distract many from the task in hand, with an early lead from the Kellys being chased by the father & daughter team of Martyn & Rebecca Lewis.
At the end of race one it stood at the Kellys 1st, Lewis’ 2nd & the first Margate boat home of Hatcher / Hudson 3rd.
Race two didn’t see as many on the water as tiredness or frustration took its toll, with an early lead by the Kellys hauled in by the Lewis’ who eventually took line honours. This bearing in mind the diminutive stature of Martyn Lewis’ crew was a fine win, with 10-year-old Rebecca disgracing older & more experienced sailors with her stamina. One to watch for the future I think.
After Hawaiian themed entertainment at the club, Sunday dawned with much lighter breezes & bright sun, much to the relief of some. Racing commenced with the Lewis team getting away first & never being really troubled by anyone else, getting such a large lead they were able to head for shore for an ice cream between races!
Two more races followed as the breeze gradually died away to a virtual flat calm. Frustration for some, but more victories for the unbeatable Lewis team on top form.
Final results:
1st: Martyn & Rebecca Lewis, Draycote Water Sailing Club
2nd: Tracy & Gemma Amos, Redoubt Sailing Club
3rd: Chris Hatcher & Andrew Hudson, Margate Yacht Club
4th: Dave & Jean Read, Girton Sailing Club
5th: John Tippet & Kathy Boulton, Draycote Water Sailing Club