'Chocolate Smiths' Gin Handicap Pursuit Race at Staunton Harold Sailing Club
by Ann Nugent 4 Jun 14:42 BST
26 May 2025
'Chocolate Smiths' Gin Handicap Pursuit Race at Staunton Harold © Staunton Harold Sailing Club
To round off a brilliant Bank Holiday weekend of Graduate Championship racing, Staunton Harold Sailing Club hosted the light-hearted but keenly contested 'Chocolate Smiths' Gin Handicap Pursuit Race.
Designed as a fun finale, the event flipped the script: sailors started in reverse order of their overall championship results – meaning the winner of the Nationals started last, and the last-place finisher led the way.
The course spanned all 12 numbered marks around the reservoir, each to be rounded to port – a full circuit that kept the pressure on and the tactics sharp.
Nigel Walbank, (Lymington Town YC) who had found the blustery championship conditions more a test of survival than speed, saw his chance in this final dash for gin-based glory. A timely gust after the beat to mark 3 sent him and stand-in crew Lewis Coppinger (Toddbrook SC) surging away on a reach along the southern shore – and from there, they were untouchable.
Behind them, the rest of the fleet compressed into a tight battle, finishing bow-to-stern after an intense one-lap chase. Oliver Maclean / Amelia Peacock (Midland Sailing Club) crossed the line in second place, with junior duo George Jacobs / Lily Hosty (Combs SC) hot on their heels in third. As underage sailors, their reward came in the form of non-alcoholic goodies – but their performance was no less impressive.
The 'Chocolate Smiths' Gin Race brought the curtain down on a fantastic weekend of competitive sailing, camaraderie, and plenty of laughs – the perfect mix of serious sport and serious fun at Staunton Harold Sailing Club.