Surrey Schools at Papercourt Sailing Club

March 22nd

Surrey Schools and Affiliated Groups enjoyed warm sunny weather with a light north-easterly breeze for their first regatta of 2003. 49 entries with 66 sailors from seven groups competed in the seven events.

From a committee boat start in the centre of the lake an elongated figure of eight course was set with the finish in front of the clubhouse.

Local sailors Papercourt Juniors won five of the seven races, including taking the first four places in the 21 entry Topper class, Max Parfitt - Wey Activites being the closest of the chasing pack. In The Laser Radial class, James Boyce PSC won comfortably from Tom Buffham -RGS with Sam Edmundson PSC 3rd.

The closest finish of the day was in the Scratch race - the Optimist of Andrew Adam PSC beating Henry Maxfield RGS Optimist by 3 seconds with the Graduate of Russell Oliver and Jon Dawes- RGS 3rd.

Eight Enterprises competed in their Class race, Therfield gaining 1st and 3rd with RGS second.

In The Fast Fleet Handicap, won by James Boyce The Epsom College team of Jess Taylor and Matt Blaicklock sailing a Wayfarer had a best finish of 3rd place and finished 5th overall.

The return of St James School was rewarded with a win in the Otter Class, John Hockley and Tim Prendagast beating Therfield’s Emma Snow and Jenny Manby.

Commodore Andy Kittow thanked all the volunteers, with particular accolades to Robert Stewart, SSSA principle for his dedicated work. To Philip and Dennis Martin for transporting and preparing Safety boats, engines and equipment. To Race Officers David Wingrove and Robin Cannell ably supported by Chris Gee and Simon.

Overall Results: