Snipe South Eastern Championships at Maldon Yacht Club

The Snipe South Eastern Championships were held on the 7th and 8th July at Maldon Yacht Club on the river Blackwater. There was a slightly disappointing entry of 16 boats but most of the top sailors managed to attend.

The first race started from the Maldon Club line going into the wide section of the river off Osea Island providing open water for some close racing. Alan Williams and Liz Crouch sailing their brand new boat pulled clear of the main pack and managed to keep clear taking first place, with Peter Wolstenholme and Phil Marshall coming in second. The second race was started from the Osea Sailing Club line, the shorter course option was wisely chosen as the wind started to drop. Ian Gregory crewed by father Brian sailed a splendid tactical race to take the gun on the Maldon Club line. Second place was wide open with 100 yards to go with any one of the next four boats in contention. Experience paid of with Peter Wolstenholme again coming, second and Ian and Kyle Varney coming through into third place.

Sunday saw a little more wind. The format for racing being the same as Saturday, first start from the Maldon line finishing at Osea. This time Iain and Richard Marshall got the best start closely followed by Steve Przybylski and Roger Eves. Unfortunately neither could hold off the challenge from Wolstenholme who came home to win with Iain Marshall second and Alan Williams coming through to third.

The final race saw a reversal in the order with Iain Marshall first, Peter Wolstenholme second and John Love third.

The racing was expertly run by Barry and Richard Foulds, getting four good races in with little wasted time on the water.

There were four different winners for each race showing what competitive racing is in the Snipe fleet with the consistent Peter Wolstenholme and Phil Marshall coming out winners.

Overall Results:

More Information:

• YachtsandYachting.com Snipe Page