Snipe dinghies return to Hythe
by Andy Gibson 8 Sep 2014 21:50 BST
6-7 September 2014
Brian Gregory crewed by Hythe sailor Tony Wyatt © Andy Gibson
The Snipe class dinghy fleet last raced at Hythe and Saltwood for their National Championship in 1985 and it was great to see them return there on the first weekend in September.
The competitors were very fortunate with warm sunshine on both days which made being at the seaside a joy. Very light winds were forecast but a small sea breeze meant racing was still was able to take place close to the beach with all 8 boats enjoying excellent close racing.
The South Eastern Snipe fleet were joined by competitors from the other two large UK fleets; Budworth in Cheshire and Stromness in Orkney.
Ian and Cecile Gregory from London worked brilliantly together securing four wins from 5 races to secure a very impressive victory. This is the first open meeting they have won and they definitely did it in style!
This is also the first Snipe Open where we have had two junior crews sailing as part of the fleet for a very long time. Both Jenna Gibson with Lorna Graham from Hythe and Matt Wolstenholme with Lloyd Roberts from West Kent, were always in contention and sailed really well.