Streaker Southern Paddle Open at Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club

Nine boats entered the first Streaker open meeting hosted by Mengeham Rythe Sailing Club on Hayling Island. Three locals were joined by visitors from as far afield as the West Midlands and East Anglia as this event counted towards the Southern Paddle travellers series sponsored by Pinnell & Bax. It was a joint event, running alongside a Solo open.

The day started with a long, gentle sail out to the starting area on the far side of Chichester Harbour. A course was set and all looked to be going well until the moment the committee boat prepared to fly the first warning signal – which was a cue for the breeze to shift dramatically and then die! A long postponement then followed during which it was hard work not to be swept away from the starting area on the flood tide. Fortunately, after at least an hour and a half's wait, the breeze picked up enough for us to be back in business.

In Race 1 Veronica Falat made a good start and had an early lead on the first beat into the tide but very quickly Paul Whyld caught up and the two had a good battle to the windward mark. Veronica just rounded first and held a narrow lead down the two reaching legs. By now they were in amongst the tail-enders of the Solo fleet which made things even more tricky. On the next beat Paul made a better job of avoiding the Solos and the patches of floating seaweed and quickly took a commanding lead which he held to the finish. Penny Dormer took 3rd, with Matt Whitfield in 4th having overtaken his dad, Ian.

The wind refused to settle in one direction and the race officer had had to lay a new windward mark for the second beat. In fact, this was the pattern for all three races and all credit must be given to the race team who were very slick in getting the course changed again and again.

We were soon into Race 2 but by now the tide was easing, allowing the fleet to reach the windward mark more quickly. Again Veronica made a good start but Paul was soon in second, while Penny had to restart having been over the line. This time Veronica kept the lead, Paul was 2nd and Ian Whitfield 3rd. Matt had a close encounter with a seaweed patch that scuppered his chances!

By the start of Race 3 the tide had turned and it was easy to be swept across the start line too early but the fleet was well-behaved and got away cleanly. The first beat was very one-sided. Ian made the best start but tacked off on to port to gain extra ground to windward, not realising that he was actually laying the windward mark with the tide pushing him up. This meant he lost out to Veronica and Paul who pulled well clear of the rest of the fleet. Veronica kept the lead and so took overall first place with a second and 2 firsts. Now we had to hurry back across Chichester harbour on a falling tide to get to MRSC before the water drained out of the creek!

All in all a good day's sailing even though we were on the water for what seemed a very long time, and the free tea and food afterwards were very much appreciated!

Overall Results: