Wayfarer Open at Medway Yacht Club

Pass the Port, Beaver and Mutley II battle it out in Gillingham Reach during the Medway Wayfarer open © Steve Walder-Davis

Glorious sunshine and consistent south-easterly sea breezes helped make this year's Fairway Trophy at the Medway Yacht Club a most pleasant and competitive Wayfarer open meeting. With four races over two days, three races to count, twelve boats made it onto the water and win or lose, all crews left with a tan.

Saturday's first race got off to a flying start with Brian Lamb/Tony Hunt taking a substantial lead up to the first mark and beyond. Richard Stone/Sue Millar gave chase all the way and eventually took victory by a couple of seconds with Brian Lamb/Tony Hunt second. The following pack also finished within seconds of each other with strong performances from Simon Winn/John Player, third, Dave Roberts/Mike Bryant, fourth and Roger Gibb/Nick Stewart in fifth.

Following lunch, the afternoon breeze started to kick in and race two was made slightly longer in duration. Another great start, this time from John Goudie/Suzanne Hall gave the rest of the fleet plenty to think about. Richard Stone/Sue Millar gave an incredible account of themselves. From being back of the fleet they managed claw their way back and steal yet another first! John Goudie/Suzanne Hall came a close second with Brian Lamb/Tony Hunt in third.

Sunday started with little wind to speak of, but the intense heat saw the sea breeze arrive well before the first race. First to the mark was Brian Lamb/Tony Hunt whose lead this time was substantial. True to form, however, they got the course muddled, and allowed a very appreciative John Goudie/Suzanne Hall to take first place with Brian and Tony second and Simon Winn/John Player third.

Which meant the Fairway Trophy was still up for grabs as we went into the fourth race. Simon Winn/John Player had a fantastic start, but the brilliance of Brian Lamb/Tony Hunt ensured that they would complete the day with a well deserved first, John Goudie/Suzanne Hall second and Simon Winn/John Player third.

The fleet were delighted, that after numerous attempts, Brian Lamb/Tony Hunt had finally won the Trophy but fate played a wicked hand. Simon Winn/John Player had forgotten to take out their tallies and were disqualified. With the three leading boats then on five points, the intricacies of RRS A8.1 meant that Richard Stone/Sue Millar retained the prize! Still, there's always next year Brian!

Sunshine, good breezes and the top three on the same score don’t happen that often! Many thanks to all the race organisers and safety boat crews.

Overall Results: