Dave Danbury Team Racing at South Staffordshire Sailing Club
by Trudie Fell 7 Oct 2009 08:20 BST
26 September 2009
Close team racing during the Dave Danbury Day at South Staffs © Trudie Fell
On 26th September, South Staffs SC hosted a Firefly team racing event in memory of past commodore and long time SSSC member, Dave Danbury. Eight teams, glorious sunshine, a full day of 37 close races, at one of the friendliest clubs in the country – and over £3,200 raised for Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.
The round robin was won by a team of RS sailors, Bums on Tour, who only lost one race to Wembley SC. Wembley and South Staffs SC were joint 2nd. Burghfield SC and Saggy BUST (the Bristol University Sailing Team old girls team) tied in 4th place, with Burghfield winning the tie and a place in the semi-finals.
Burghfield went on to beat Bums on Tour, and South Staffs SC saw off Wembley, to get through to the finals. The finals came down to a nail biting 3rd race, with the home club taking victory.
The day was about two things – everyone enjoying great sailing, and raising funds for Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund. I’m proud to say, both were achieved!
50% of people diagnosed with cancer now survive for more than 5 years. For pancreatic cancer, the 5 year survival rate is just 3%. Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the UK, but has some of the lowest funding. The Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund is a fantastic charity focused on raising funds, and encouraging research into pancreatic cancer.
SSSC hosted a sell-out party with hog roast, live band and dancing. Larger than life Justin Jones raised over £1,000 in a highly entertaining auction. The total raised is over £3,200. Huge thanks to Datchet Watersports for their lesson in a foiling moth, Greg Eaton’s training day, Graham Jones, Tony Hotchkiss, West Kirby SC, Steve Tylecote, Mike Senior, and Purple Marine for their generous donations to the auction, boat hire, raffle and prizes.
Overall Results:
1. South Staffs SC
2. Burghfield SC
3. Wembley SC
4. Bums on Tour
5. Saggy BUST
6. Bath University
7. South Staffs SC Juniors
8. Lark Ladies