Page 38 - Salcombe Masthead 2020

36 SYC Salcombe Gin Regatta 2019
Junior Handicap, Topper, RS400, RS200, Phantom, Merlin Rocket, a large Laser Radial and 4.7 fleet and a Yawl Gold
fleet. The morning also included two very welcome fleets of Enterprises and Larks that are classes not currently regularly sailed at Salcombe. The morning starts had generally lighter winds than those in the afternoon, however all fleets enjoyed fantastic exciting reaches to the Gerston mark through the open area of the estuary known as Widegates. The morning fleet also had the benefit of generally “beating with the tide” thereby avoiding the challenges of short tacking against the tide.
The Junior handicap was dominated by Jasper Walter in his Laser 4.7 and Henry Koe from South Bank (Putney) topped
the Topper fleet. Thanks go to Topper for loaning some boats and Coast and Country for sponsorship. The ten RS400s was narrowly won by ex 505 World Champion Peter Colclough and Peter Bennett from the Silver Winged Sailing Club boat of
Peter Jackson. Michael Gifford and Isobel Stewart (Waldringfield SC) won the RS200 with Chris Catt and Anjie Hurd (Netley
SC) managing to take one race win from the Gifford boat. The Merlin Rockets were dominated by the Fran Gifford and Sophie Mackley duo whilst the very healthy fleet
of 11 Larks was led by Stuart Hydon and Ann Biglin (Shustoke SC) with Harry Pynn and Gemma Cook (Waldringfield SC) taking
IN SPITE OF LOSING TWO FULL DAYS RACING, THE RACING THAT DID HAPPEN WAS GENERALLY CARRIED OUT IN SUNSHINE AND A GOOD ATMOSPHERE WAS CREATED...
a win in the last race to secure second place. It was a welcome return to see the blue sails of the Enterprise class and Martin Brooking and Jane Anderson (Hunts SC) came out top in a competitive fleet. Finally in the morning fleets the Lasers Radials and 4.7 had a bumper group of youthful and competitive sailors with Harry Evans coming out top of the 4.7 and Ruari Mcoll in the Radials.
In the afternoon the Handicap fleet were first away with Dan Bridger in his Aero 7 just taking first place overall from Michael and George Hicks in a Scorpion. The fleet included a healthy mix of Aeros and also an elegant Flying Fifteen, a MRX and a Streaker. The National Twelves were dominated once again by Graham and Zoe Ballantyne, however there was good competition below that with John Meadowcroft and Em Mayhew edging second place from the Anthony and Rory Gifford. The Solo fleet was as always, highly competitive for the 22 competitors
but Tim Johnson revelled in the boisterous conditions winning three of the four races and was first overall. Simon Dobson was always close at hand to secure second overall with Robin Hodges, race winner on the final day, securing third place. Finally the 9 strong Laser Standard Fleet was dominated by Neil Davies (QMSC) with three firsts and one second place.
In spite of losing two full days racing, the racing that did happen was generally carried out in sunshine and a good atmosphere was created with the combination of sailing, beaching and just mastering the complex logistics of the Salcombe estuary. The club worked very hard to ensure good race organisation and club facilities and overall the week was a success. Special thanks go to our race officers John Wylie, Geof Gilson, Ian Mcgregor together with the support of the Salcombe Harbour Authority and our main sponsor Salcombe Gin.
Malcolm Mackley