Miracle Southern Areas at Margate Yacht Club

Tracy and Gemma Amos win the Miracle Southerns at Margate © Miracle Association

Rachel Harden and Jo Lamb battle it out for second place at the Miracle Southerns at Margate © Miracle Association

The Miracle Southern Area Championships together with the Byte C2 Nationals were hosted by Margate Yacht Club over the weekend 15/16th July.

PRO Mike Speller held the briefing on the pier to make his point that the wind was force 6 gusting 7! As it was forcast to drop he was going to go for a start after an hour's postponement. As the fleets set out for the start line it was evident the wind had not dropped much. Only three Miracles made it to the start and set off up the beat against the incoming tide. Leading at the first mark were visitors Kelly and Pygall followed by home boats of Hatcher and Hudson and then Lamb and Baker. Kelly suffered gear failure down the first reach which allowed Hatcher through but as the race continued Kelly pulled through to take the win. With the wind not dropping as forcast the next race was abondoned and everybody went in to enjoy the evening entertainment in the clubhouse.

Sunday dawned with only a gentle 1/2 blowing and a strong tide. Four races were planned back to back in the first race Tracy and Gemma Amos showed the conditions suited them and they were not really pressed to the finish. Kelly followed in with Hatcher close behind that.The second was a carbon copy with Amos not being troubled at the front but this time it was Hatcher who pulled through to second with Kelly in third.Race four and if Amos took the bullet she would have the championships. As the beats had become a one way only she was staright into the lane and was never headed. Amos took the win and with it the Champs following her in were two more young lady helms in Rachel Harden crewed by her dad in their new MK 4 boat. Following them was Jo Lamb crewed by Josh Baker. In the last race it was Kelly, following many rig changes, who finally got the boat going and lead from start to finish, the Hardens again showing good form followed in a very comfortable second with the other Lamb family boat coming in third helmed by Gaye Lamb and crewed by Alex Baker.

Overall a great weekend was had by all and many thanks to all at Margate Yacht Club who were involved with organising the event.

Overall Results: