Streaker North Sails Southern Paddle series at Downs Sailing Club

Simon Cory and Chris Lewns - Streaker North Sails Southern Paddle series at Downs © Brian Mumford

This year we were back down to a one-day event for the Streaker North Sails Southern Paddle open meeting at Downs Sailing Club, contrary to what the Streaker 50th Anniversary calendar might have told you!

Five Downs Streakers were joined by six visitors, mainly from Broadstairs SC with some competitors from further afield - from Island Barn Reservoir SC in Surrey and Up River YC in Essex.

Conditions could be described as near perfect; wall to wall sunshine and an easterly breeze forecast to swing north-east later in the day. The committee boat, "Rush", was anchored just off the club and the first race got under way sharply.

Start line action - Streaker North Sails Southern Paddle series at Downs - photo © Brian Mumford

Lee Goodey (2186, Broadstairs SC) and Simon Cory (2137, Downs SC) were seen to be locked in close contention at the front with Phil Halldron (2109, Downs SC) edging briefly into third before being rolled on the following windward leg. By the end of the first race Lee carded a bullet, with Simon second and visitor Ian Gore (2216, Up River YC) coming in third.

Race two commenced immediately. By now the wind was starting to progress northerly meaning a port bias on the line, with boats congregating in the final minute of the start sequence at the pin end. Another close race at the front of the fleet ensued with Ian Gore and Lee Goodey in close contention. It was Ian who prevailed, with Lee in second and Ceri Thomas (2161, Broadstairs SC) coming in third.

A very brief delay followed whilst marks were repositioned to allow for the shift to north-east and race three was soon under way. It was to prove a repeat of race two for the top two podium positions, with Lee Goodey and Ian Gore in close contention well ahead of the middle order. Ian scored his second bullet with Lee in second again, whilst Simon Cory returned to the podium in third.

Simon Cory and Phil Halldron - Streaker North Sails Southern Paddle series at Downs - photo © Brian Mumford

Another very brief delay as marks were further tweaked and the final start sequence commenced. It was to be yet another close battle between Ian Gore and Lee Goodey well out in front of the main pack. It was Lee who ultimately prevailed, Ian second, and Chris Lewns (1332, Broadstairs SC) in third - proving you don't need a brand new boat to go well!

There was very close racing in the middle of the fleet too, with tussles between Chris Lewns, Ceri Thomas, Chris Smith (2132, Island Barn Reservoir SC) and Phil Halldron.

Thanks to the slick race management we were all done by 14:30. All boats returned safely to shore with the customary Downs SC teamwork in getting them out of the water and onto sledges.

Thank you to all who made the day a tremendous success - Race Officer Brian Mumford and his team, the mark layers/patrol boats and the race officials. Also, thank you to the galley team who laid on breakfasts and organised the evening's barbecue and Roger Phillips who compiled the overall results on Sailwave.

Finally, thank you to all those who travelled and supported the event. Everyone I spoke to said how much they had enjoyed themselves. We hope to see you again next year!

Ceri Thomas - Streaker North Sails Southern Paddle series at Downs - photo © Brian Mumford

More Streaker events coming up this month:

• May 17 Holt Golden Jubilee Tideway Race at Ranelagh SC
• May 24-25 Training Day and Open Meeting at West Lancs YC
• May 31 HD Sails Northern Paddle open meeting at Hykeham SC

And the Rooster Super Series resumes next month:

• June 7-8 Scottish Championship at East Lothian YC
• June 21-22 Coastal Championship at Broadstairs SC

Overall Results: