RS200 & Scorpion Open at Bexhill Sailing Club
by Paul Suggitt 20 Jun 2006 11:18 BST
17-18 June 2006
Everything was perfect the course was laid for 3 classes the sun was shining and the clubhouse and beach was bursting with visiting sailors and spectators.
All that was now needed was some wind! Unfortunately it never did really arrive and sailing was challenging on both the Saturday and Sunday. The strong tide, calm sea and extremely light winds combined to make the weekend a very testing one. Luckily the sunny weather and the hospitality of Bexhill SC made the trip worthwhile for visitors who had travelled from as far away as Wembley and Chipstead.
On Sunday after a 2-hour postponement due to lack of wind 3 races were planned back to back but the third was abandoned when the sea breeze died.
The Scorpion fleet was small but extremely experienced and racing was tight over both days, in first place were Adrian and Rob Smith from Hythe & Saltwood SC.
As usual the RS200 fleet was large containing national sailors, beginners and a large contingent from Bexhill SC. Eventual winners were father and daughter team from Bough Beech SC, Dave and Emma Derby. Simon Gillow and Emma Harniman from Wembley SC came second with the local Bexhill SC team of Mike Chapman and Lynn Ratcliffe earning a creditable third place.
Ashdown Hurrey & Co. who generously sponsored the weekend.