Shearwater Open at Hastings and St. Leonards Sailing Club
by Shaun Allen 23 Jul 2008 13:47 BST
19-20 July 2008
The fourth event in the 2008 Shearwater Catamaran Travellers Trophy series, was held at Hastings and St.Leonards Sailing Club, over the weekend of 19th-20th July. The first race on Saturday was postponed due to average wind speeds in excess of 25 knots from the South West with an equally impressive sea state in the bay.
Racing finally got under way with only three boats electing to leave the relative safety of the beach, "Sheregold" - Murray Greenhill and Chris' Masters, "Simsek" - Nigel and Sarah Stuart, and Foreigner - Greg' Wilcox and Shaun Allen. The latter were the only boat to finish, revelling in the challenging conditions, and delighting all with a display of wave-riding on their return to the beach. Such was the wind strength that all racing was abandoned for the rest of the day.
Sunday brought some moderation in wind strength, 15-20 knots, and a change of direction. Specifically a North Westerly, which made for a flatter sea. All boats made the start line, with Simsek establishing an early and commanding lead. Leading the pack was Alley Cat - Alan Howland and Jenny Allen, followed by Take5 - Dion and Anna Allen, and Sheregold. Simsek's lead was greatly eroded on the windward leg by Alley Cat, who eventually took the Gun.
The second race of the day was saw Foreigner first away, but quickly overhauled on the first reach by Ruby - Roger and Bonnie Crooks, and Take5. These two maintained the lead until the second beat, constantly challenged by Sheregold, Foreigner and Cajensa Sans Fin - Catherine Howland and Alex King. Alley Cat worked up the beat inshore and overhauled all to secure the lead and eventually the gun.
After a short respite for lunch ashore, racing commenced with once again Foreigner quickly away from the Line. Alley Cat starting last, having overstepped the line. Sheregold, Take5 and Ruby challenged for the lead, with Foreigner and Simsek sailing in close company behind. Alley Cat, despite an inauspicious start, worked quickly through the ranks to take the lead by the penultimate lap. Going into the final downwind leg, only Foreigner and Simsek challenged Alley Cat, the latter eventually taking the gun.
Another excellent weekend, both on and off the water. The après-sailing was particularly lively, Hastings and St. Leonard's displaying as always their legendary hospitality.
Results:
1 - 2006 - Alley Cat - Alan Howland and Jenny Allen
2 - 1988 - Foreigner - Greg Wilcox and Shaun Allen
3 - 2005 - Take5 - Dion and Anna Allen
4 - 2008 - Sheregold - Murray Greenhill and Chris Masters
5 - 1996 - Ruby - Roger and Bonnie Crooks
6 - 2007 - Simsek - Nigel and Sarah Stuart
7 - 1976 - Cajensa' - Catherine Howland and Alex King