Streaker open meeting at Newhaven & Seaford Sailing Club
by Duncan McDonald 26 Jun 2018 16:34 BST
23 June 2018
A select group of mostly local and skilled competitors arrived at Seaford Sailing Club to be greeted by beautiful sunshine, breeze and minimal swell.
An interesting course was set up to allow for the concomitant Topper open meeting.
Race one was sailed in 10-14 knots of breeze with a clean start and excellent upwind speed by Rupert Smith to arrive first at the windward mark. He was chased hard by Duncan McDonald who just managed to overhaul him by the leeward mark but managed to reach off in the wrong direction until Rupert informed Lawrence and Duncan of their error. The race continued with Rupert leading at the windward mark and Duncan at the leeward mark for a number of laps until the final reach when Duncan was not quite sure where the finish line was and Rupert smoked through for a well deserved win. Laurence was third, Noel fourth and Alan fifth.
After a well needed break in the sunshine the Streakers returned for more sea racing with a reducing breeze and a change in tide. Race two had a clear start and most boats headed right with Rupert leading around the top mark closely followed by Duncan and Laurence. As the breeze abated Duncan and Laurence overtook Rupert to finish in that order.
Race three was commenced in less breeze; 8-5 knots and Alan got off to a cracking start heading to the right of the course. Duncan protected the right from Laurence as he was an increasing threat in the dying breeze. Alan lead for most of the race but was finally overhauled by Duncan with Laurence finishing third and Rupert fourth.
Overall, therefore, the win went to Duncan followed by Rupert second and Laurence third with the rapidly improving Alan fourth. All agreed that it was a fantastic day of sailing on the sea with great weather, courses, shore teams and club support and of course a nice beer in the sun to finish!
Overall Results:
| Pos | Helm | Sail No | R1 | R2 | R3 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | Duncan McDonald | 2102 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | Rupert Smith | 1681 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 3 | Laurence Venus | 1706 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 4 | Alan Simmons | 1700 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| 5 | Noel West | 1620 | 4 | DNS | DNS | 10 |