Hartley Classes and Comet Open Event - Preview
by Chris Jones 22 Mar 2013 12:04 GMT
24 March 2013
Kestrels, Wanderers and Comets come together at Sutton Bingham © Teresa Hughes
Hartley Boats will sponsor this year's Hartley Classes and Comet Open Event on Sunday 24 March at Sutton Bingham Sailing Club near Yeovil.
The event is open to all classes of dinghy currently constructed and marketed by Hartley Boats plus the Comet family of craft. This covers the Gull, Kestrel, Osprey, Supernova, Wanderer, Wayfarer, Comet Single-hander, Comet Duo, Trio and Versa. (Optimists are excluded because of the high handicap differential.)
The event was originally conceived by club committee members Mike Burke and Andy Huntley who recognised that these classes were particularly well represented within the Sunday and Thursday evening handicap fleet racing.
Hartley Boats are providing prizes from their chandlery for the event. Mark Hartley said, "We are delighted to support this unique event which showcases our portfolio of racing dinghies and provides excellent opportunity for racing them in the South West".
Over 40 sailors competed in last year's event with Wanderers and the Comet single-hander being particularly well represented. Leading competitors: 1st Comet was Peter Dalton (Frampton on Severn), 1st Kestrel was Stephen and Lin Worf (Calshot), 1st Wanderer was Tim & Niamh Robertson.
Principle race officer, Chris Jones said, "With increased publicity for this year's event and positive feedback from those that competed last year we're hoping for a good turnout on Sunday. The weather outlook promises exciting racing, if a little lively, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our shores.
Sutton Bingham is a friendly club set on an attractive reservoir just 4 miles south of Yeovil. Afternoon tea and cakes will be provided after the racing. Full details can be found in the calendar.