News

• LATEST NEWS
  • Open Winter Series - Final Results  
    Report by Roy Winnett
    An evil gusty southwesterly concluded the Open Winter series at Wilsonian Sailing Club on 21st December.  As the 15-race series had been marred by an absence of wind or too much, 7 races had been abandoned and with just 5 races to be count the top prizes were still up for grabs.  57 boats had entered the series, 23 choosing the long course, 29 the short course and just 5 the lapping course.

    Andrew Peake (Musto Skiff) was holding pole position and although last year’s winner Graham Smith beat him to the line still held to lift the Long Course Trophy.  With three firsts and a second in the bag, a fifth for Tony Hunt/Suzanne Hall (3000) was sufficient to promote them to runners-up spot, while Richard Smith (Musto Skiff) found the conditions too tough and had to rest on his previous results for third prize.  Chris/Neil Ashby (ISO) ended tied on points with Aaron Smith/Alex Rodgers (29ER), who were sailing elsewhere.  However, the tie was broken in the Ashby’s favour as they had a first to count, for fourth and fifth prizes.

    Stuart Bailey had Zoe’s sister Vicky to thank for winning the Short Course crown, they managed the tricky conditions well to take line honours.  They leapfrogged over Martin Brown/Amanda Randall (3000) who had a disappointing 9th but held for second on aggregate and Neil Lamprell (Phantom) had to settle for third prize.  A 4th for David Fenech/Alison Williams (3000) and 5th for John Player (Blaze) lifted them to similar places overall.  Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert (Laser 2000) with a first to count won the tie with Colin Coard (Laser) for sixth prize.

    Lesley O’Rourke/Peter Heyes (Miracle) sealed victory in the lapping course with a comfortable win over David/Jackie Hudson (Miracle)

    Overall places/prizes
    Long Course
    1st Musto Skiff 288 Andrew Peake (Bough Beech SC), 2nd 3000 3603 Tony Hunt/Suzanne Hall (Wilsonian SC), 3rd Musto Skiff 211 Richard Smith (Blue Circle SC), 4th ISO 1195 Chris/Neil Ashby (Wilsonian SC), 5th 29er 342 Aaron Smith/Alex Rodgers (Wilsonian SC), 6th Musto Skiff 291 Grahame Smith (Wilsonian SC).
    Medium Course
    1st Buzz 1079 Stuart Bailey/Zoe/Vicky Noble (Wilsonian SC), 2nd 3000 3608 Martin Brown/Amanda Randall (Wilsonian SC), 3rd Phantom 1073 Neil Lamprell (Wilsonian SC), 4th 3000 3605 David Fenech/Alison Williams (Wilsonian SC), 5th Blaze 609 John Player (Wilsonian SC), 6th Laser 2000 21792 Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert (Wilsonian SC), 7th Laser 182548 Colin Coard (Bexhill SC).
    Lapping Course
    1st Miracle 3722 Lesley O’Rourke/Peter Heyes (Wilsonian SC), 2nd Miracle 3795 David/Jackie Hudson (Wilsonian SC).

    Full Results

     

  • Racing Rules of Sailing 2009-2012  
    The revised racing rules which come into effect on 1st January 2009 are available on the ISAF site.  Click on the following link.
    RRS 2009-2012

    There will be a Rules Evening at the club at 19:00hrs on Friday 20th February.  A RYA Regional Rules Advisor will give a presentation to go through the changes and this will be followed by discussion and a question and answer session.  There will be a small charge of £2 to cover expenses.
    So, no excuses for not knowing the rules this year!

     

  • RYA South East Zone Junior & Youth December Newsletter  
    

    The December 2008 issue of the RYA SE Zone Newsletter has been received.  This issue includes information about Laser and Feva open training and some other key dates for 2009. 

    Download the SE Zone Newsletter now (.pdf file).

     

  • RYA SE Region Newsletter - Winter 2008 Edition  
    The Winter 2008/09 issue includes details of the RYA Club Conference Jan 31st 2009, RYA Community Awards to South East Sailors, Event Reports, Cruising and Training News.  It is an interactive pdf file with links to jump to pages and reference websites.

    Download the latest issue of the RYA SE Region Newsletter.

     

  Latest News   Coming Events   Event Reports & General News  

• COMING EVENTS
  • On Water   
    

    Chilly Willies

    The "Chilly Willies" takes place on 1st January 2009.

    One race for all dinghy classes.  Start 12:00hrs.

    Enter on the day.  All entry fees donated to the RNLI.

    Download Notice of Race and Entry Form.

     

    Hoo Freezer

    7th/8th February 2009

    Main race Sunday and Practice race Saturday.

    Download Notice of Race and Entry Form.

    Download Sailing Instructions.

     

  • On Shore   
    

    London Boat Show

    9th-18th January 2009.

    Venue: ExCel Exhibition Centre

    For full details see show website
    

     

    Annual Prizegiving Dinner and Dance

    Saturday 31st January 2009.

    Venue: Birchwood Park Golf Centre

    Please let Jane Drummond know as soon as possible if you intend going.

     

    Rules Evening

    Friday 20th February.

    Venue: WSC Clubhouse

    A RYA Rules Advisor will give a presentation on the changes in the Sailing Rules of Racing that come into effect 1st January 2009.

    The presentaion will be followed by light refreshments and discussion and question & answer session.

    £2 entry fee to cover expenses.

     

    Annual General Meeting

    Saturday 28th February 2009.

    Venue: WSC Clubhouse

    Remember you will need to have renewed your membership to be able to vote.
    

     

    RYA Volvo Dinghy Show

    7th & 8th March 2009.

    Venue: Alexandra Palace

    For full details and online ticket purchase see show website.

     

    Winter Work Parties

    As in recent years, members are allocated to this winter's work parties on the basis of initial letter of surnames as follows.

    Friday  2nd January – small number of Volunteers

    Saturday 3rd January   B

    Sunday  4th January   A

    Saturday 10th January   U

    Saturday 17th January   C – F

    Sunday  18th January   G – H

    Saturday 24th January   I – L

    Sunday  25th January   R – S

    Sunday  1st February   T

    Saturday 14th February   M – Q

     

     
  Latest News   Coming Events   Event Reports & General News  

• EVENT REPORTS & GENERAL NEWS
  • Laying Up Cup, 26th October  
    No report this week but here are the results.

    Results
    1st Ian Foxwell/Hannah Foxwell (Graduate), 2nd Tim Kift/Jo Wicken (59er), 3rd Chris Ashby/Mick Smith (RS400), 4th Malcolm Levey/Sarah Wyatt (Merlin Rocket), 5th Bob Dutton/Peter Good (Kestrel).
    

    Full Results

     

  • Autumn Series - Final Week, 26th October  
    There weren't many boats out for the final race of the Autumn Series (7 Fast handicap, 6 Medium, 5 Miracle).  Those absent were probably put off by forecasts of 40mph wind or were away for school holiday.  The scary forecasts proved to be wrong and racing took place in light winds.  Even the rain stopped for the race.
    Below are the top positions for the race and the overall results. 

    Race 9 results
    Fast Handicap: 1st Chris Ashby/Mick Smith (RS400), 2nd Ian Parris/Sam Proctor (RS800), 3rd Tim Kift/Jo Wicken (59er).
    Medium Handicap: 1st John Player (Blaze), 2nd Peter Horner (Blaze), 3rd Martin Brown/Max Caston (3000).
    Miracle: 1st David Hudson/Jackie Hudson, 2nd Lesley O'Rourke/Stephanie Wicken, 3rd Martin Smith/Mike Groom.

    Overall Results (Prizewinners)
    Fast Handicap: 1st Chris Ashby/Mick Smith (RS400) 9pts, 2nd Mark Goodchild (Int. Canoe) 10pts, 3rd Ian Parris/Sam Proctor (RS800) 10pts, 4th Mike Gower (Vortex Asym.) 17pts.
    Medium Handicap: 1st Martin Brown/Amanda Randall/Max Caston (3000) 9pts, 2nd Neil Lamprell (Phantom) 11pts, 3rd David Vettergreen/Janice Smith/Jonathan Schofield (Laser 2000) 16pts, 4th John Player (Blaze) 18pts, 5th Peter Horner (Blaze) 32pts, 6th Gordon Belcher (Laser) 38pts.
    Laser 2000: 1st David Vettergreen/Janice Smith 5pts, 2nd Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert 22pts, 3rd Brian Lamb/Max Caston/Jeremy Drummond 24pts.
    Miracle: 1st Martin Smith/Mike Groom 5pts, 2nd David Hudson/Jackie Hudson 10pts, 3rd Lesley O'Rourke/various 18pts.
    Slow Handicap: 1st Ian Foxwell/Hannah Foxwell (Graduate) 17pts.

    Full Results

     

  • Commodores Series - Final Results  
    Report by Roy Winnett
    Disappointingly thick mist and a lack of wind greeted members at Wilsonian Sailing Club for the final of the Ladies and Junior’s cup series on Sunday 12th October.  The mist failed to clear even after a postponement, so morning racing was abandoned, leaving the results for the series to be based on three results from the previous four races.
    Jayne Lambert (Laser 2000) with Paul Thorpe’s assistance lifted the Ladies Cup with Jo Wicken/Tim Kift (59er) runners up and Nina Wallis/Sue Hannant (Miracle) picking up third prize.
    Aaron Smith/Alex Rodgers (29er) with three firsts to count, won the Junior’s Cup with Tom Lambert/Nicola Smith (29er) second.

    The Commodores series has been marred by adverse weather conditions and although 22 boats had entered for the long course (Commodores 1) and 47 the short course (Commodores 2) few had sailed the three races to count.  Fortunately the mist cleared away during the lunch break and a light southerly breeze lifted for the start of the final race in the Commodores Trophy series. However, the wind became fickle, died away between the forts leaving the Commodores 1 fleet becalmed, requiring to be rescued by the safety boats.  Most of the Commodores 2 fleet suffered a similar fate but the Wayfarers of Brian Lamb/Alison Williams and John Goudie/Max Caston did manage to get a finish with the course shortened at buoy 28 for first and second places respectively, with Peter Horner/David Brooker (Buzz) third but still remained outside the prizes on aggregate, whereas a fourth for Brian Warwick/Derek Cummings (Laser 2000) was sufficient to lift them to 5th overall in the series.
    Based on previous results, Paul Rodgers (Laser 2000) with help from Grahame Smith, Ian Foxwell and Carol Rodgers claimed the Commodores 2 top spot, scoring a couple of wins and a 4th to count.  Stuart Bailey/Zoe Noble took second prize in their Merlin Rocket with Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert/Kevin Downard (Laser 2000) third on aggregate.
    Ian Parris/Sam Proctor (RS 800) were crowned Commodores 1 winners with Mike Gower (Vortex) runner up and Tony Hunt/Suzanne Hall (3000) third.

    Overall results/prizes
    Ladies Cup: 1st Jayne Lambert/Paul Thorpe (Laser 2000) 11pts, 2nd Jo Wicken/Tim Kift (59er) 13pts, 3rd Nina Wallis/Sue Hannant (Miracle) 17pts.
    Junior’s Cup: 1st Aaron Smith/Alex Rodgers (29er) 3pts, 2nd Tom Lambert/Nicola Smith (29er) 5pts.
    Commodores Trophy 1: 1st Ian Parris/Sam Proctor (RS 800) 6pts, 2nd Mike Gower (Vortex) 9pts, 3rd Tony Hunt/Suzanne Hall (3000) 13pts, 4th David/Stuart Mason (Laser 4000) 19pts, 5th Tom Lambert/Nicola Smith (29er) 20pts.
    Commodores Trophy 2: 1st Paul/Carol Rodgers/Ian Foxwell/Grahame Smith (Laser 2000) 6pts, 2nd Stuart Noble/Zoe Noble (Merlin Rocket) 7pts, 3rd Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert/Kevin Downard (Laser 2000) 13pts, 4th Neil Lamprell (Phantom) 17pts, 5th Brian Warwick/Derek Cummings (Laser 2000), 6th Jayne Lambert/Paul Thorpe/John Goudie (Laser 2000) 33pts, 7th Nina/Chris Wallis/John Parsons/Bryan Dunmall/Sue Hannant (Laser 2000) 39pts.

    Full Results

     

  • Leigh Trophy - 28th Sept.  
    With even less wind than yesterday the race had to be abandoned.

     

  • WSC/MYC Interclub Challenge - 27th Sept.  
    With very light winds and strong tide Medway YC's fleet of Wayfarers were much better suited to the conditions than Wilsonian's mix of boats and easily took the top few places.
    Full results and report awaited.

     

  • Tony & Suzanne Retain 3000 Crown  
    Tony Hunt and Suzanne Hall successfully defended their National Champions status at the 3000 National Championships held 13th/14th September at Rutland SC.

     

  • 3 Race Regatta - 14th September  
    Report by Roy Winnett
    A steady force 3 easterly and plenty of sunshine gave perfect sailing conditions on Sunday for Wilsonian’s Three Race Regatta.  A lapping course was set between the forts for the entry of 28 boats.  As all races were to count consistency was essential for success.

    In the first race Mark Goodchild (Int. Canoe), Andy Pickrell/Caroline Alexander (RS 800) and David/Stuart Mason (Laser 4000) battled it out in front with Brian Lamb/Jonathan Schofield (Wayfarer) and David Vettergreen/Janice Smith (Laser 2000) finishing close behind.
    Goodchild and the Masons took the lead in race 2, while Vettergreen/Smith had a lengthy swim, Pickrell/Alexander were forced to return home after breaking a shroud.  Lamb/Schofield held for third and Neil Lamprell (Phantom) picked up fourth after a disappointing 11th in race 1.
    Goodchild claimed overall victory by adding another first in the final race.  A third for the Mason duo gave them the runners up prize while a second for Lamprell promoted him to third overall.  Despite a 12th for Lamb/Schofield they still held for fourth on aggregate.  Consistency paid off for Steve Tinnams (RS 600) and John Player (Blaze), with total points of 22 and 24 apiece they claimed 5th and 6th prizes respectively.

    Overall results/Prizes
    1st Mark Goodchild (Int. Canoe) 3pts, 2nd David/Stuart Mason (Laser 4000) 8pts, 3rd Neil Lamprell (Phantom) 17pts, 4th Brian Lamb/Jonathan Schofield (Wayfarer) 19pts, 5th Steve Tinnams (RS 600) 22pts, 6th John Player (Blaze) 24pts.

     

  • New Champions  
    Wilsonian Sailing Club members have been achieving success in recently held national championships and open events.
    Stuart Bailey and Zoe Noble won the Buzz National Championships and Sam Proctor crewed for Neil Ashby to win the ISO National Championships.  Both events were at Paignton 23rd-25th August.

    Brian Lamb and Tony Hunt were fifth overall in the Wayfarer Nationals and lifted the coveted Duncanon Trophy (first with combined age over 100).
    Mark Goodchild (International Canoe) was first placed mono-hull dinghy in the Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club’s round the island race.

     

  • South Kent Race - Monday 25th August  
    No report but here the results.

    1st Martin Jones (Contender), 2nd Stewart Robinson/Sonja Riley (Laser 4000), 3rd Ian Foxwell/Hannah Foxwell (29er).

    Full results.

     

  • Late Summer Series - Final Results  
    Top places in each of the fleets for the Late Summer Series were as follows.

    Race 10
    Fast Handicap: 1st Martin Jones (Contender), 2nd Mark Goodchild (International Canoe, 3rd Grahame Smith (Musto Skiff), 4th Tom Lambert/Nicola SMith (29er).
    Medium Handicap: 1st Brian Warwick & Derek Cummings (Laser 2000), 2nd John Player (Blaze), 3rd Gordon Belcher (Laser), 4th Nik Antoniades/Cathy Evans (Laser 2000), 5th Jeremy Drummond/various (Kestrel), 6th Neil Lamprell (Phantom).
    Miracle: 1st Keith & Christina JeremiahM, 2nd Martin Smith/Mike Groom, 3rd Lesley O'Rourke/Nina Wallis/Richard Starling/Sue Hannant.

    Full Results
    .

     

  • Wednesday Evening Series - Final Results  
    Another successful Wednesday Evening Series has finished and the final results are given below.  Entries were up to 56 boats from last year's 45, with an average turnout of 13.8 against last year's 10.8, despite a less than perfect set of winds this summer.
    Thanks to all who participated, and particularly to Paul Thorpe who had the worry of overseeing the duty list and ensuring that the club was opened and closed.  We need to think of a way of spreading that burden for next year.

    Provisional Full Results.

     

  • Medway Dinghy Regatta - 19th/20th July  
    Report by Roy Winnett
    The Medway Dinghy Regatta, hosted and organised by Wilsonian Sailing Club on behalf of the Medway Yachting Association was held over the weekend 19th & 20th July.  There was an outstanding entry of 99 boats, with 50 visitors from as far away as the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District.  24 sailing clubs were represented, including a large contingent from Broxbourne, the Ahoy Sailing Centre with their fleet of Laser Stratos and Medway Yacht Club provided the Wayfarers.  Locally based MTS Cleaning Services sponsored the event and Laser UK provided some goodies.  Open meetings were incorporated for 3000, Vortex and Wanderer classes.  Four races were scheduled, two each day, with three to count and a Barbeque /Disco on Saturday evening.  There were starts for fast, medium and slow handicap, 3000, Vortex, Laser 2000, Laser Stratos, Wayfarer and Wanderer.

    Competitors were greeted with a fresh to strong westerly on Saturday morning that became more blustery during the day and with wind against tide the lumpy seas created additional problems for those who ventured out for the long second race.  Fifty-two boats managed to get a finish in the opening race whereas in the second just 39 finished, 18 retired including a couple of dismasts and few avoided at least one capsize.  The wind moderated over night to a fresh north-westerly and with clear skies, sparkling waters gave excellent sailing conditions, though a squall gusting over 30 knots caught a few off guard on the homeward leg in the final race.  Good Saturday results tended to be essential for the top prizes.

    Martin Jones (Contender) dominated the Fast Handicap, mastering the conditions well and scoring three aces to take the series.  The customary conflict between International Canoe champions Mark Goodchild and Simon Allen failed to materialise, perhaps Allen’s new boat could have been the reason.  Goodchild picked up a couple of seconds in Saturday’s challenging conditions, was pushed into 8th in race 3 by top contenders Neil Ashby/Nick Lett (ISO) and Ian Parris/Sam Proctor (RS 800), then was upstaged by youngsters Aaron Smith/Alec Rodgers (29er) in the final race but held for runners up prize.  A 4th and 3rd on Saturday and 2nd Sunday morning insured Ashby/Lett a third place on aggregate, Parris/Proctor did not start in race 2 but a 1st and 4th on Sunday secured fourth overall.  Stuart Bailey/Zoe Noble (Buzz) managed to get a finish in all four races and was rewarded with fifth prize.

    Similarly, Jonathan Lister won the Vortex trophy with three wins to count, while Jon Stewart claimed second prize, beating Lister in race 3 and with a couple of seconds to count.  Phil Harris, in competition with Mike Gower for third prize, eased ahead with a 2nd and two 4ths

    Tony Hunt/David Bourne retained their 3000 crown with a hat-trick of wins then rested on their laurels for the final race, while David Fenech/Alison Williams claimed second prize with two seconds and a 3rd to count.  A win and second on Sunday promoted Daniel Hollands/Andrew Thompson to third overall.

    Neil Lamprell (Phantom) also retained his Medium Handicap crown by winning three races.  Ian Foxwell and Russ Hall had a close fought battle in their Blazes.  Going into the final race, Hall with two seconds to count was one point ahead but Foxwell survived the squall, took line honours and runners-up prize in the process, Hall having to settle for third.  Scott Room/John Carroll in a borrowed club RS Vision came 3rd in race 2, scored 6th & 4th on Sunday to secure 4th overall.

    It was four wins out of four for Colin/Lauren Treadwell in the Laser 2000 fleet.  David Vettergreen/Janice Smith had to retire in race 2, but ended with three seconds to count while Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert picked up a 3rd and 2nd on Saturday and a 4th on Sunday was sufficient for third on aggregate.

    Richard Stone/Catherine Gore regained possession of the Wayfarer Matkin Trophy with three pole positions in a row.  There were four boats in the frame for the other top prizes.  However, John Goudie/Phil Caisley won the final race with Brian Lamb/John Player second to secure second and third prizes respectively.

    It ended all square in the Stratos fleet for Zack Ginnelly/Jade Van Grann and Michael/Forrest/James Cobby both with a couple firsts and seconds but the tie was broken in the favour of the former as they won the last race.  Mike Warwicker/Ben Cooper (Pacer) with two firsts and a second took the slow handicap honours but there were mixed fortunes through the rest of the fleet.  Ben/Tom Brooks/Rebecca Seager (Miracle) with a 2nd, 3rd & 4th to count claimed second overall with Michael Atkinson (RS Feva) third and David/Jackie Hudson (Miracle) fourth

    Gavin Barr/Mark Skipper won the Wanderer contest with three firsts, they decided to stay ashore for race 2 which Mark Fagg/Jonathan Carter won that enabled them to claim second prize as they shared the points in the other races with Christopher Partington/Jack Skipper.

    Overall results/prizes
    Fast handicap: 1st Contender 2347 Martin Jones 3pts (Wilsonian SC), 2nd Int.Canoe 265 Mark Goodchild 7pts (Wilsonian SC), 3rd ISO 1195 Neil Ashby/Nick Lett 9pts (Bewl Valley SC), 4th RS 800 1122 Ian Parris/Sam Proctor 11pts (Wilsonian SC), 5th Buzz 763 Stuart Bailey/Zoe Noble 14pts (Wilsonian SC).
    Medium handicap: 1st Phantom 1073 Neil Lamprell 3pts (Wilsonian SC), 2nd Blaze 732 Ian Foxwell 6pts (Wilsonian SC), 3rd Blaze 675 Russ Hall 7pts (Broxbourne SC), 4th RS Vision 507 Scott Room/John Carroll 13pts (Broxbourne SC).
    Slow handicap: 1st Pacer 2302 Mike Warwicker/Ben Cooper 4pts (Bough Beech SC), 2nd Miracle 3636 Ben/Tom Brooks/Rebecca Seager 9pts (Wilsonian SC), 3rd RS Feva 2424 Michael Atkinson 12pts (Broxbourne SC), 4th Miracle 3795 David/Jackie Hudson 12pts (Wilsonian SC).
    Vortex: 1164 Jonathan Lister 3pts (Yorkshire Dales SC), 1205 Jon Steward 5pts (Yorkshire Dales SC), 3rd 1026 Phil Harris 10pts (Wilsonian SC).
    3000: 1st 3603 Tony Hunt/David Bourne 3pts (Wilsonian SC), 2nd 3605 David Fenech/Alison Williams 7pts (Wilsonian SC).
    Laser 2000: 1st 22115 Colin/Lauren Treadwell 3pts (Wilsonian SC), 2nd 2643 David Vettergreen/Janice Smith 6pts (Wilsonian SC), 3rd 21792 Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert 9pts (Wilsonian SC).
    Wayfarer: 1st 8288 Richard Stone/Catherine Gore 3pts (Medway YC), 2nd 9812 John Goudie/Phil Caisley 9pts (Wilsonian SC), 3rd 10201 Brian Lamb/John Player 9pts (Wilsonian SC).
    Laser Stratos: 1st 44 Zack Ginnelly/Jade Van Graan 4pts (Ahoy Sailing Centre), 2nd 1005 Michael Forrest/James Cobby 4pts (Ahoy Sailing Centre), 3rd 826 Osman Yusef/Keisha/Mylie Jones 10pts (Ahoy Sailing Centre).
    Wanderer: 1st 1282 Gavin Barr/Mark Skipper 3pts (Whitstable SC), 2nd 989 Mark Fagg/Jonathan Carter 6pts (Whitstable SC), 3rd Christopher Partington/Jack Skipper 7pts (Whitstable SC).

    Full Results.

     

  • Early Summer Series - Final races, Sunday 13th July  
    Report by Roy Winnett
    A light fickle breeze gave a disappointing end to the early summer series at Wilsonian Sailing Club on Sunday. The series had already been married by light winds with two races in the 10 race series abandoned. Those who had sailed the five races to count tended to secure the top places.

    Although twenty boats had entered the fast handicap event just five had sailed five or more races. Chris Ashby/Mike Smith (RS 400) claimed the fast handicap crown by adding a couple of firsts, while Ian Parris/Sam Proctor (RS 800) away for the day held for second.  A 2nd and 3rd gave John Shenton/Adam Treadwell (Osprey) third on aggregate, a 3rd in the morning ensured fourth place for Stewart Robertson/Sonja Riley (Laser 4000) with Grahame Smith (Musto Skiff) fifth overall.

    Forty boats had contested the medium handicap but only eight had sailed the five races to count, so many lost out on the prizes.  Tony Hunt (3000) with help from Suzanne Hall and David Bourne comfortably won the series with five wins.  Peter Horner/David Brooker (Buzz) found the light airs to their liking to take runners-up prize.  Gordon Belcher (Laser) was elsewhere but still picked up third based on previous results.  In spite of poor results on the day, Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert (Laser 2000) claimed fourth overall, while Stuart Bailey/Zoe Noble (Buzz) with just four second places to count still managed to take fifth on aggregate.

    The Miracles were well represented with nine boats out on the water.  A second for Martin Smith/Mike Groom in the morning was just enough to hold for top spot as Keith/Christine Jeremiah won both races to gain promotion for runners-up spot, relegating David/Jackie Hudson to third overall.

    Race 9 results
    Fast Handicap: 1st Chris Ashby/Mike Smith (RS 400), 2nd John Shenton/Adam Treadwell (Osprey), 3rd Stewart Robinson/Sonja Riley (Laser 4000).
    Medium Handicap: 1st Tony Hunt/David Bourne (3000), 2nd Stuart Bailey/Zoe Noble (Buzz), 3rd Bob Dutton/Peter Good (Kestrel), 4th David Vettergreen/Janice Smith (Laser 2000), 5th John Parsons/Bryan Dunmall (Laser 2000).
    Miracles: 1st Keith&Christina Jeremiah, 2nd Martin Smith/Mike Groom, 3rd David&Jackie Hudson.

    Race 10 results
    Fast Handicap: 1st Chris Ashby/Mike Smith (RS 400), 2nd Tim Kift/Jo Wicken (59er), 3rd John Shenton/Adam Treadwell (Osprey).
    Medium Handicap: 1st Tony Hunt/Suzanne Hall/David Bourne (3000), 2nd Peter Horner/David Brooker (Buzz), 3rd David Vettergreen/Janice Smith (Laser 2000), 4th John Parsons/Bryan Dunmall (Laser 2000).
    Miracles: 1st Keith&Christina Jeremiah, 2nd David&Jackie Hudson, 3rd Lesley O'Rourke/Adrian Watson.

    OVERALL RESULTS/PRIZES
    Fast Handicap: 1st Chris Ashby/Mike Smith (RS 400) 8pts, 2nd Ian Parris/Sam Proctor (RS 800) 10pts, 3rd John Shenton/Adam Treadwell (Osprey) 14pts, 4th Stewart Robertson/Sonja Riley (Laser 4000) 20pts, 5th Grahame Smith (Musto Skiff) 25pts.
    Medium Handicap: 1st Tony Hunt/Suzanne Hall/David Bourne (3000) 5pts, 2nd Peter Horner/David Brooker (Buzz) 27pts, 3rd Gordon Belcher (Laser) 30pts, 4th Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert (Laser 2000) 45pts, 5th Stuart Bailey/Zoe Noble (Buzz) 49pts, 6th Graham Jenkinson (Laser) 50pts, 7th Jayne Lambert/Paul Thorpe (Laser 2000) 51pts.
    Miracles: 1st Martin Smith/Mike Groom 8pts, 2nd Keith/Christina Jeremiah 9pts, 3rd David/Jackie Hudson 9pts, 4th Ben/Tom Brooks 16pts.

    Full Results
    .

     

  • Laser 5000 National Championship  
    We are delighted to report that John & Steve Tinnams finished 2nd overall at the Laser 5000 National Championship held at Weston SC 21st/22nd June. Their results included a win in race 2.

     

  • 3000 Open, Queen Mary SC  
    Well done to Martin Brown & Max Caston on winning the 3000 Open at Queen Mary SC, 29th June.

     

  • Nore Race  
    Mark Goodchild sailed his International Canoe into 6th place in the 52 boat entry monohull category at the Nore Race on 29th June.  The race was organized by Benfleet YC, Essex.  Mark and fellow IC sailor and former Wilsonian member Simon Allen not only competed in the race but sailed their boats from Wilsonian SC to the race and back again after the race.  It appears that International Canoe sailors love long distance sailing!

     

  • Wilsonian Grand Prix - Sunday 22nd June  
    Report by Jeremy Drummond
    Martin Jones led a brave band of sailors to win the Wilsonian Grand Prix on 22nd June 22 2008 on the Medway estuary in very blustery conditions.  The shipping forecast was warning of gale force winds in the Thames region and so it was left to 25 of the bravest souls in 15 boats to take up this year’s challenge.
    Many capsized, some more than others and all successfully negotiated the course covered by the club’s three safety boats.  Martin Jones sailed his Contender to first place and also took the prize for the first single handed boat with sliding seat/trapeze.  He was followed in second place by Mark Goodchild in an international canoe in both categories.  Third place was Neil Ashby and Nick Lett in an ISO.
    Tom Lambert and Nicola Smith conquered the tough conditions in their 29er to win the trophy for the first juniors home in the race.  This trophy was recently created in honour of the late Alan Dutton who was a strong and long time member and supporter of the Wilsonian Sailing Club.
    The first two handed non-trapeze boat with a symmetric spinnaker was helmed by Richard Stone in his Wayfarer.  In the same category and with an asymmetric spinnaker the winner was Chris Ashby and Mike Smith in an RS 400 closely followed by Ian Foxwell and Paul Rodgers in a Laser 2000.
    The strong wind meant the post-event barbeque was roaring and complimented the summer’s evening that followed.  Racers were keen to anticipate the Medway Dinghy Regatta which is hosted by WSC on behalf of the Medway Yachting Association on 19/20th July which is the next big event on the estuary.

    Prize Winners
    Overall: 1st Martin Jones, Contender, Wilsonian SC, 2nd Mark Goodchild, International Canoe, Wilsonian SC, 3rd Neil Ashby/Nick Lett, ISO, Whitstable YC.
    1st Junior Boat: Tom Lambert/Nicola Smith, 29er, Wilsonian SC.
    1st Single Handed Trapeze Boat: Martin Jones, Contender, Wilsonian SC.
    1st Two Person Non-Trapeze Boat with Asymmetric Spinnaker: Chris Ashby/Mick Smith, RS400, Wilsonian SC.
    1st Two Person Non-Trapeze Boat with Symmetric Spinnaker: Richard Stone, Wayfarer, Medway YC.

     

  • Brian on top of Wayfarer National Series  
    A fifth place finish for Brian Lamb (with Tim Kift crewing) at Warsash SC on 14th/15th June, the second event of the 2008 Wayfarer National Circuit series, was sufficient to be elevated to joint leader in the series.  The next event is at Waldringfield SC, 2/3 August.

     

  • Stuart & Zoe win at Roadford  
    The Buzz Open at Roadford SC over the bank holiday weekend, 24th-26th May, saw conditions in which many of the boats experienced multiple capsizes.  Wilsonian's Stuart Bailey/Zoe Noble managed the conditions best with an impressive string of first places to take winners prize

     

  • Pursuit Race - Monday 26th May  
    Unfortunately near gale force wind and lashing rain forced abandonment of this year's Pursuit Race.

     

  • Spring Series, Sunday 11th May - Final Results  
    Report by Roy Winnett
    A Sparkling sea, blue skies and a warm sea breeze, what a perfect day for the final round of the Spring Points series at Wilsonian Sailing Club on Sunday, though for some the results were not so perfect.

    The Fast Handicap fleet set themselves a long downriver course for the first race; this proved too long as no one finished within the 2-hour time limit and was abandoned.  They were more cautious setting the afternoon race, which Mark Goodchild (Int. Canoe) won convincingly and with four results to count lift him to overall victor.  Martin Jones (Contender) could discard sixth place as he had done enough previously to secure runners-up spot while a third ensured Ian Parris/Sam Proctor (RS 800) the same place overall with David/Stuart Mason (Laser 4000) fourth on aggregate.  A second for Chris Ashby/Mike Smith (RS 400) secured fifth with John/Steve Tinnams (Laser 5000) claiming sixth prize.

    V3000 filled the top three places in the Medium Handicap.  With five results to count and four firsts in the bag, Tony Hunt/Suzanne Hall needed one more result to confirm top spot and they achieved this in the morning with a second place.  Martin Brown/Max Caston and David Fenech/Alison Williams were neck and neck on 13 points but Fenech/Williams needed a second place to have a chance of runners-up spot.  In the morning they had a disastrous race finishing 18th and although a respectable 6th in the afternoon they had to settle for third overall, allowing Brown/Caston to claim the second prize.  Brian Lamb/Bobbie Burnell sailing their first season in a Laser 2000 picked up a 4th and 5th to be promoted to fourth on aggregate.  Jeremy/Dan Drummond (Kestrel) added a 7th in the morning to secure 5th prize while Brian Warwick/Derek Cummings also sailing a Laser 2000 for the first time claimed 6th on earlier results.

    Martin Smith/Mike Groom made sure of the Miracle crown by winning the morning race to make five wins to count.  Lesley O’Rourke teamed up with Colin Lown and this proved a winning partnership, a second place in the morning and victory after lunch gave them second prize with David/Jackie Hudson securing third.

    Full Results
    .

     

  • Playing away  
    Stuart Bailey & Zoe Noble have had a couple of good results at the first two Buzz opens of the year with a second place at Isle of Sheppey SC on 26th/27th April and third at Downs SC on 3rd/4th May.
    Brian Lamb/Tony Hunt finished in the top third with 11th at the Laser 2000 open at Bough Beech 4th/5th May.

     

  • KSSA Opening Splash - Sat 19th April  
    Twenty-seven boats entered the Kent Schools Sailing Association's "Opening Splash".  This is the KSSA's first regatta of the year and was hosted and run by Wilsonian SC. The Easterly wind was the perfect direction for sailing at the club and meant the committe boat could be stationed near the club giving the youngsters' parents and other spectators an excellent view of the racing.  A few of the less experienced sailors found the wind a bit too strong and stayed ashore but the rest experienced excellent if sometimes challenging conditions. The top places were closely contested.  After the morning's two races it looked like Jonty Freeman (Topper) was going to be hard to beat with James Blackman (Laser Radial), Richard Thomas(Topper) and Martin Lown (Topper) contesting second.  However, after lunch, Richard Thomas stepped up a gear taking two firsts and overall victory with Jonty Freeman second and James Blackman third.  The highest placed double-hander, in 7th, was the 29er of Tom Lambert & Alec Rodgers.

    Some photographs of the event can be seen on the KSSA website.

    Full Results
    .

     

  • Topper Open - 5th April  
    Nine Toppers representing eight sailing clubs from across the southeast attended the open meeting at Wilsonian Sailing Club on Saturday 5th April.  A lapping course, one race in the morning and two back-to-back after lunch with two to count was the format.  The moderate breeze was manageable, the only problem being the short chop from wind against the flood tide.  In race 1 Joshua Mclynn, Joseph Wellerd and Richard Thomas soon broke free from the pack and on the final round Mclynn eased ahead with Wellerd second and Thomas third.  During the lunch break Clive Jackson sorted out his bending tiller extension and this proved essential for his success.  The breeze gradually died away during the afternoon and sailing against the strong ebb tide proved a difficulty for some.  However, in race 2 Wellerd and Mclynn once again established a commanding lead with Jackson chasing close behind.  Wellerd kept ahead of Mclynn on the final lap for first and second places respectively, with Jackson third.  Jackson mastered the light airs well in the final race to get clear ahead for line honours to be promoted to third overall, while a second for Wellerd was sufficient to lift the top prize.  Mclynn could discard a 4th place and count a 1st and 2nd to claim second prize, while Thomas added another third to take fourth prize on aggregate.

    Overall results/prizes
    1st 44535 Joseph Wellerd (Crawley Mariners YC), 2nd 44350 Joshua Mclynn (Wembledon Park SC), 3rd 17501 Clive Jackson (Papercourt SC), 4th 46095 Richard Thomas (Broadstairs SC).

    Full Results
    .

     

  • Ice Breaker - Sunday 30th March  
    Report by Roy Winnett
    There was an excellent turnout of 35 boats for the first race of the season on Sunday at Wilsonian Sailing Club, the so-called ‘Ice Breaker’.  It was a pity though that a light fickle breeze had replaced the previous nights near gale and even after the course was shortened at Pinup still took boats over two hours to reach the line.  However 33 boats did finish, though four of these were disqualified for starting prematurely.
    Ian Parris/Sam Proctor (RS 800) gradually eased ahead of the fleet for line honours but had to settle for 9th on handicap, while David/Stuart Mason (Laser 4000) finishing six minutes later claimed second spot.  Mark/Lucy Heather (RS200) found enough puffs to lead the medium handicap boats to the line for victory on corrected time with Stuart Bailey/Zoe Noble (Merlin Rocket) in close attendance taking third.  The Miracles of Ben/Tom Brooks and Lesley O’Rourke/Colin Lown found the conditions to their advantage for 4th and 6th places respectively.  There were five Laser 2000s in close competition including those recently acquired by Brian Lamb/Gordon Wallace and Brian Warwick/Derek Cummings and it was Lamb/Gordon who broke away from the pack on the final leg for fifth place, while Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert leading the rest had to be content with 16th.

    Results (top 6 places):
    1st Mark/Lucy Heather (RS 200), 2nd David/Stuart Mason (Laser 4000), 3rd Stuart Bailey/Zoe Noble (Merlin Rocket), 4th Ben/Tom Brooks (Miracle), 5th Brian Lamb/Gordon Wallace (Laser 2000), 6th Lesley O’Rourke/Colin Lown (Miracle).

     

  • Warm-up Series Final Results, 23rd March  
    Report by Tony Hunt
    Of the 31 entries, only eight came to the line for the final week's racing which was the coldest yet, and benefitted (to use estate agents' lingo) from totally conflicting forecasts. The presence of ice and sleet was enough to deter many, however.  Ironically, the best week's weather had been on the first weekend of the series, in February.

    Fortunately, apart from the temperature, the weather was kind, with a wind towards the top limit of a F.3 by the end of the afternoon.  Another 15-20 degrees C, and you'd be happy to have it every weekend!

    Racing on the water was unusually close.  Neil Lamprell posted a pair of firsts in his Phantom, despite having to dig himself out of a poor position in Race 10, to underline his domination of the series.  Stuart & Zoe's Merlin Rocket, which seems to get quicker and point higher every week, likewise firmed up its second place overall, leaving Ian and Hannah to struggle with the Miracle PY in the tideway, though they comfortably secured third overall.

    Next week sees the start of the season proper at Wilsonian, so the weather is expected to improve dramatically...

    Race 9: 1st Neil Lamprell, 2nd David Fenech (3000), 3rd Stuart Bailey (Merlin Rocket).
    Race 10: 1st Neil Lamprell, 2nd Stuart Bailey/Zoe Noble (Merlin Rocket), 3rd Ian & Hannah Foxwell (Miracle).

    Series Overall: 1st Neil Lamprell (Phantom), 2nd Stuart Bailey/Zoe Noble (Merlin Rocket), 3rd Ian & Hannah Foxwell (Miracle), 4th David Fenech/Alison Williams/Amanda Randall (3000), 5th Mike Gower (Vortex A), 6th John Player (Laser).

    Full Results.

     

  • HOO FREEZER Sunday 9th March - Results  
    Report by Roy Winnett
    The 37th Hoo Freezer was held over the weekend 8th & 9th March sponsored by Hoo Marina, hosted by Hoo Ness YC and organized with assistance from Wilsonian SC.  Other Medway clubs, the Scouts, St. John’s Ambulance and the Coast Guard provide safety and medical cover.  There was an excellent entry of 72 boats with competitors coming from as far away as Southport.  The usual schedule was followed, a practice race on the Saturday, the Hoo Freezer on Sunday, lapping courses with results based on average lap times.

    A blustery southwesterly gusting over 30 knots kept many competitors ashore for the practice race, just 30 boats venturing out in the challenging conditions that gave the rescue boats plenty of activity, and only 17 boats surviving to record a finish.

    The B14’s of Chris Bines/David Gibbons and Mark Barnes/Peter Nicolson mastered the conditions well at the front of the fleet over the four laps.  Bines/Gibbons held the lead to the line for victory while unfortunately Barnes/Nicolson were disqualified for passing between a freighter and the guard boat.  Andrew Peake kept his Musto Skiff powered up to claim second while Chris Matthews/ Ed Gibbons (29er) were third.

    On Sunday, in stark contrast, the southwesterly had eased to a light to moderate breeze.  This favoured the medium handicap fleet and they were the first away as the fast handicap fleet were too eager to start, suffered a couple of general recalls and the black flag preparatory signal before they got underway.  Tony Hunt/Suzanne Hall (V3000) led the fleet on the first round with Simon Cory/Sarah Styles (Buzz) snapping at their heels.  Cory/Styles overhauled the leaders on the second lap to take line honours and lift the Hoo Freezer Cup with Hunt/Hall relegated to third on handicap.  Chris Dutton/Claire Hansell (Buzz) also eased ahead of the early leaders and settled for the fourth spot.  Meanwhile Steve Hall/Simon Haighton kept well ahead of the other Larks to claim second prize with Chris Whitehead/Ruth Johnson ninth and together with Holly Hewat/Alison Dart 11th were awarded the highest placed class team prize.  The Scorpions were well in evidence with John/Jamie Clementson leading the pack for fifth just ahead of sixth placed Janet Gatehouse/Alan Richie and together with Chris/Keith Swinchatt also from Chipstead SC, won the highest placed club team award.  Locally based Stuart Bailey/Zoe Noble (Buzz) and Doug Horner/Tim Ellis (RS 200) picked up 7th and 10th prizes respectively while Brian Lamb/John Goudie (Wayfarer) was just outside the prizes in 12th.  Although the B14s dominated the fast fleet, only David Hayes/Richie Bell finished for eighth prize on corrected time with Mark Watts/George Morrise and Mark Barnes/Peter Nicolson outside the top-ten.

    The wind had a sting in its tail and a foretaste of the storm to come 12 hours later.  As the last boats were finishing and others returning to shore a squall passed through with winds in excess of 30 knots causing short-term mayhem.  However, all were soon recovered and returned safely to shore.

    Medway’s Deputy Mayor Cllr Nick Bowler rounded up the highly successful event by presenting the prizes, aided by Richard Cassem commodore of Hoo Ness YC.  Cllr Bowler, being a non-sailor, had previously wondered what the Hoo Freezer was all about and was informed that ‘you go out in a boat at Hoo and freeze’!

    Tom Sims awarded the Race Officer’s Prize to Robin Reeve for manning the flags on the committee boat for over 25years and is now leaving the area.

    Overall Results/Prizes
    Saturday practice race (Sun Wharf Cup)
    1st B14 775 Chris Bines/David Gibbons (Brightingsea SC)
    2nd Musto Skiff 288 Andrew Peake (Eastbourne Sovereign SC)
    3rd 29er 620 Chris Matthews/Ed Gibbons (Brightingsea SC)

    Hoo Freezer (Hoo Freezer Cup)
    1st  Buzz 1089 Simon Cory/Sarah Styles (Downs SC)
    2nd  Lark 2502 Steve Hall/Simon Haighton (Northampton SC)
    3rd  V3000 3603 Tony Hunt/Suzanne Hall (Wilsonian SC)
    4th  Buzz 1061 Chris Dutton/Claire Hansell (Downs SC)
    5th  Scorpion 1984 John/Jamie Clementson (Chipstead SC)
    6th  Scorpion 2995 Janet Gatehouse/Alan Richie (Chipstead SC)
    7th  Buzz 763 Stuart Bailey/Zoe Noble (Wilsonian SC)
    8th  B14 757 David Hayes/Richie Bell (Southport SC)
    9th  Lark 2411 Chris Whitehead/Ruth Johnson (Ranelagh SC)
    10th  RS 200 Doug Horner/Tim Ellis (Wilsonian SC)

    First Youth Sailor (Hoo Marina Cup)
    Chris Matthews/ Ed Gibbons

    Highest Placed Club Team:
    Chipstead SC (John/Jamie Clementson, Janet Gatehouse/Alan Richie, Chris/Keith Swinchatt)

    Highest Placed Class Team:
    Lark (Steve Hall/Simon Haighton, Chris Whitehead/Ruth Johnson, Holly Hewat/Alison Dart)

    Highest placed boat Saturday and Sunday combined
    Scorpion 2995 Janet Gatehouse/Alan Richie (Chipstead SC)

    Race Officer’s Prize
    Robin Reeve (Hoo Ness YC)

    See Full Overall Results
    and Practice Race Results.

     

  • Chilly Willies 1st January  
    Unfortunately, mill pond conditions resulted in the Chilly Willies race being abandoned after an hours postponement.  However it was still apleasant social occasion and there was plenty of help around to move boats in preparation for the Winter Workparties.

     

  • Open Winter Series - Final Results  
    Report by Roy Winnett
    After a mixture of light airs and strong breezes it was a blessing to have a steady force 2 – 3 easterly for the final race in the Open Winter series at Wilsonian Sailing Club on Sunday 16th December.  The temperature hovering around zero was counterbalanced by bright clear skies.  Although the top prizes had already been decided 30 boats were on the start line, with 13 choosing the long course, 14 the medium course and 3 the lapping course.

    Visitor Grahame Oliver (Musto Skiff) from Whitstable SC endorsed his top spot by winning the race with ease to lift the Long Course Trophy.  A second place for Tony Hunt/Suzanne Hall (3000) confirmed the same spot overall and similarly Ian Parris/Sam Proctor claimed third prize.  Andy Pickrell/Caroline Alexander (RS 800) was fourth but still remained outside the prizes at seventh overall, whereas Mike Gower (Vortex) in sixth still held for fourth prize.  Tom Lambert/Nicola Smith (29er) with a 9th ensured fifth prize while Tim Kift/Jo Wicken (59er) could discard a 10th to take sixth prize.

    Neil Lamprell (Phantom) with 6 firsts to count had won the Medium Course Trophy and was resting on his laurels.  Brian Lamb/Brian Warwick (Wayfarer) was also assured of second, so a third place for Warwick/Derek Cummings sailing the boat could be discarded.  David Vettergreen/Janice Smith won the Laser 2000 contest with Roy Winnett/ Geoff Lambert for 1st and 2nd places to confirm third and fourth prizes respectively.  A 5th for Peter Horner/David Brooker (Buzz) gave them the same overall.

    Ian and Hannah Foxwell (Miracle) dominated the lapping course and with another win won the Lapping Course Trophy with David/Jackie Hudson (Miracle) in second and overall spot.

    After a short prize giving Jeremy Drummond with Paul Thorpe assistance had all putting on thinking caps for a light hearted quiz supervised by Jayne Lambert and Jane Drummond in the guise of fairy and elf, who were more photogenic than the prize winners!

    Overall places/prizes
    Long Course: 1st Musto Skiff 221 Grahame Oliver (Whitstable YC), 2nd 3000 3603 Tony Hunt/Suzanne Hall (Wilsonian SC), 3rd RS 800 1122 Ian Parris/Sam Proctor (Wilsonian SC), 4th Vortex 1013 Mike Gower (Wilsonian SC), 5th 29er 396 Tom Lambert/Nicola Smith (Wilsonian SC), 6th 59er 111 Tim Kift/Jo Wicken (Wilsonian SC).

    Medium Course: 1st Phantom 1073 Neil Lamprell (Wilsonian SC), 2nd Wayfarer 10201 Brian Lamb/Brian Warwick (Wilsonian SC), 3rd Laser 2000 2643 David Vettergreen/Janice Smith (Wilsonian SC), 4th Laser 21792 Roy Winnett/Geoff Smith (Wilsonian SC), 5th Buzz 965 Peter Horner/David Brooker (Wilsonian SC).

    Lapping Course: 1st Miracle 2870 Ian/Hannah Foxwell (Wilsonian SC), 2nd Miracle 3795 David/Jackie Hudson (Wilsonian SC), 3rd Miracle 2955 Gordon Wallace/Steve Bridges (Wilsonian SC).

    Overall Series Results to date.

     

  • Club Cruise - Saturday 3rd November  
    The day arrived with perfect cruising conditions.  All the boats successfully got to the planned destination of Queenborough where they went ashore for a leisurely lunch before returning back to the club.  Thanks to David Wraight and Derek Zobel for organizing the cruise.
    

     

  • Doug & Mark maintain their good form  
    The 27th/28th October Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy hosted the last round in the Laser 4000 UK Series.  Doug Horner and Mark Heather switched roles for this event with Doug helming.  They showed they are a potent combination whichever way round they are in the boat by getting another great result.  They won the first race and finished 2nd overall in the 21 boat fleet.

     

  • Autumn Points Series - Sunday 28th October  
    Report by Jeremy Drummond
    After a month of light airs, the Wilsonian club sailors were rewarded with a challenging gusty wind for the final day of Autumn Points series.

    Tom Lambert and Nicola Smith, two of the club’s up and coming young sailors, were quick to stamp their mark on the day’s racing by taking first place in the Autumn Fast Handicap race in their 29er.  They beat Chris Ashby and Mike Smith in their RS400 into second place although Ashby and Smith took the overall series title.  Araan Smith and Alec Rodgers, another pair of young Turks in a 29er, were in third place.

    In the Medium Handicap race, Neil Lamprell continued his consistent form to take first place and the Autumn Medium Handicap series title.  David Fenech and Alison Williams enjoyed the blustery conditions in their V3000 to finish second.  David Vettergreen and Janice Smith led the Laser 2000 fleet home to take third place in the morning race.  This gave Vettergreen and Smith second overall in the series title.

    Results
    Autumn Points - Race 13
    Fast Handicap: 1st Tom Lambert/Nicola Smith (29er), 2nd Chris Ashby/Mick Smith (RS400), 3rd Aaron Smith/Alec Rodgers (29er).
    Medium Handicap: 1st Neil Lamprell (Phantom), 2nd David Fenech/Alison Williams (V3000), 3rd David Vettergreen/Janice Smith (Laser 2000).

    Series Overall Results:
    Fast Handicap: 1st Tony Hunt / Suzanne Hall/Ian Parris (V3000), 2nd Chris Ashby / Mick Smith (RS400), 3rd Tom Lambert / Nicola Smith (29er), 4th Grahame Smith (Musto Skiff), 5th Stewart Robinson / Sonja Riley (Laser 4000).
    Medium Handicap: 1st Neil Lamprell (Phantom), 2nd David Vettergreen / Janice Smith (Laser 2000), 3rd Nik Antoniades / Cathy Evans (Laser 2000), 4th Roy Winnett / Geoff Lambert (Laser 2000), 5th Brian Lamb / Brian Warwick/Derek Cummings, 6th John Player (Laser).
    Miracle: 1st David Hudson / Jackie Hudson, 2nd Martin Smith / Mike Groom, 3rd Lesley O'Rourke / Amanda Randall/Andy Hudson, 4th Gordon Wallace / Steve Bridges.
    Junior: 1st Stephanie Wicken, 2nd Adam Bermingham.

     

  • Laying Up Cup - Sunday 28th October  
    Report by Jeremy Drummond
    For the ‘Laying Up’ Cup in the afternoon the wind was gusting strongly and for many sailors the race became a battle to master the tricky conditions.  Many capsized and continued to battle on and complete the three lap course around Gillingham Reach.  All sailors had an exciting ride. Some risked putting their spinnakers up and often paid the price with a capsize in the big gusts that strafed the course at regular intervals.  Tom Lambert and Nicola Smith took line honours in their 29er but could not keep sufficiently ahead of Tony Hunt and Suzanne Hall in a V3000 to prevent them from winning the Cup on handicap adjusted time.  The Harvey brothers came in just behind in third in their 29er.

    Laying Up Cup:
    1st Tony Hunt/Suzanne Hall (V3000), 2nd Tom Lambert/Nicola Smith (29er), 3rd Luke Harvey/Josh Harvey (29er).

     

  • Two Topper Sailors in RYA Training Squads  
    As previously reported, Stephanie Wicken successfully gained a place in the National Junior Squad.  We have just heard that Adam Bermingham has got into the SE Zone Squad.  Congratulations to both of them.

     

  • Another top result for Mark Goodchild  
    Draycote Water SC hosted an International Canoe Open over the weekend 13th/14th October.  Wilsonian member, and current World Champion, Mark Goodchild won the event with former Wilsonian, Simon Allen, finishing second.

     

  • Commodores Series Final Results- Sunday 14th October  
    Report by Roy Winnett
    Calm windless conditions again greeted members at Wilsonian Sailing Club on Sunday morning for the final race in the Ladies Cup and Junior’s Cup 5 race series.
    After a 30-minute postponement, without any sign of a breath of air, racing was abandoned for the morning.  Therefore, on previous results, the Ladies Cup was awarded to Amanda Randall (Buzz) with two firsts and a 4th to count, Lesley O’Rourke (Miracle) runner-up and Sonja Riley third. Tom Lambert and Nicola Smith (29er) won the Junior’s, a win and two seconds to count, Tom Kift/Dan Drummond (Laser II) securing second.

    The last race in the Commodores Trophy series was scheduled after lunch and after an hour’s postponement a light easterly breeze developed.  However by then many members had lost patience, so entries were down to just four boats for the long course and 11 the short course.  Both trophies were up for grabs and the main contenders were out on the water.

    Tony Hunt/Suzanne Hall (3000), and the Contenders of Martin Jones and Mathew Love were in the frame for the Commodores 1 Trophy.  However, Hunt/Hall won the race with ease on corrected time to lift the trophy, so Jones and Love had to settle for second and third overall in the series.

    It was a close call between Brian Lamb/Brian Warwick (Wayfarer), Jeremy/Jane Drummond (Kestrel) and John Parsons/Bryan Dunmall (Laser 2000) for the Commodores 2 Trophy.  Although the conditions were not ideal for Peter Horner/David Brooker in their Buzz they took line honours, relegated to 6th on handicap but lifted to the same in the series.  Lamb/Warwick, finishing 30 seconds later, won the race on corrected time and the series, while a second confirmed the Drummonds in runners-up spot.  The Miracle of David/Jackie Hudson pushed Parsons/Dunmall into fourth place but they still held for third overall and a 7th for Nik Antoniades/Cathy Evans (Laser 2000) was sufficient for 5th place in the series.

    Overall Series Results
    Ladies Cup: 1st Amanda Randall/Martin Brown 6pts (Buzz), 2nd Lesley O’Rourke/Peter Matthews/Adrian Watson 6pts (Miracle), 3rd Sonja Riley/Stewart Robertson 8pts (Laser 4000).
    Junior’s Cup: 1st Tom Lambert/Nicola Smith 5pts (29er), 2nd Tom Kift/Dan Drummond 8pts (Laser II), 3rd Adam Bermingham 14pts. (Topper)
    Commodores 1: 1st Tony Hunt/Suzanne Hall 4pts (3000), 2nd Martin Jones 8pts (Contender), 3rd Matthew Love 9pts (Contender), 4th Ian Parris/Sam Proctor 10pts (RS 800), 5th Mark Goodchild 22pts (Int.Canoe).
    Commodores 2: 1st Brian Lamb/Brian Warwick 6pts (Wayfarer), 2nd Jeremy/Jane Drummond 6pts (Kestrel), 3rd John Parsons/Bryan Dunmall 10pts (Laser 2000), 4th Nik Antoniades/Cathy Evans 22pts (Laser 2000), 5th Andy Hockey/Rachel Scott 25pts (Laser 2000), 6th Peter Horner/David Brooker 29pts (Buzz).

     

  • RYA SE Zone Championships Results  
    Stephanie Wicken finished 6th overall in the 38 boat Topper fleet at the SE Zone Championships held at Bewl Valley SC 29th/30th. This together with many good results through the year has reulted in Stephanie being awarded a place in the 2007/2008 RYA National Topper Squad.
    Our 29er sailors were also at the championships and took the top three places: 1st Luke & Josh Harvey, 2nd Aaron Smith & Alec Rodgers, 3rd (on same points) Tom Lambert & Nicola Smith.

     

  • Tony & Suzanne Retain 3000 Crown  
    The 3000 National Championship was held at Draycoye Water SC over the weekend 29th/30th September.  Tony Hunt & Suzanne hall dominated the event with only one result that wasn't a 1st and thus became 3000 National Champions for the second year running.  Excellent results for the other Wilsonian entries were 3rd David Fenench & Alison Williams and 4th Peter & Sam Heyes.

     

  • Leigh Trophy, 30th September  
    Report by Roy Winnett Calm and windless conditions prevailed at Wilsonian Sailing Club on Sunday morning and the crew’s race and the single-handed race had to be abandoned.  Fortunately a light to moderate breeze picked up for the start of the Leigh Trophy race after lunch.  An interesting course was set through South Yantlet, Otterham and Rainham creeks over the top of a high spring tide.

    29 boats signed-on and there was a staggered start sequence to ensure the slower boats finished at a reasonable time.  However, it was the fast handicap boats that picked-up the top five places.  Ian and Hannah Foxwell (29er) were in great form, celebrating their recent union with a convincing win on corrected time, 2 minutes in-hand over second placed Mark Goodchild (Int. Canoe).  While Ian Parris/Sam Proctor, giving their new RS 800 its first outing, were just 2 seconds behind to take third.  John/Steve Tinnams (Laser 5000) kept ahead of the other fast boats for fourth with Mike Gower (Vortex) fifth.

    Brian Reeve led the medium handicap boats home but was relegated to 9th on handicap, the Wayfarers of John Goudie/Susan Raiser taking 6th place and Brian Lamb/Bobbie Burnell sharing 7th with Tim Kift/Jo Wicken (59er).  Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert won the Laser 2000 contest for 10th managing to keep off the challenge from Nik Antoniades/Cathy Evans.

    A close contest developed between the front runners of the seven Miracles with Ben/Tom Brooks leading most of the way, but David/Jackie Hudson eased ahead at the line for 18th & 19th on corrected time with Martin Smith/Mike Groom 20th.

     

  • Good Wilsonian results in SE Topper Traveller Series.  
    With the South East Topper Travellers Series now completed, it is pleasing to report that Stephanie Wicken finished 2nd overall and Alex Le Gassick 4th.  Martin Lown, who finished 10th, was the highest placed sailor who hasn't been in a training squad.

     

  • WSC/MYC Inter-club Challenge Finale - 22nd September.  
    This year's winners were Medway Yacht Club.  Mark Goodchild (Int. Canoe) flew the Wilsonian flag well by winning the Finale but Medway's Wayfarers made the rest of the results a bit of a whitewash.  Let's look forward to next year to win the trophy back.

     

  • Adam 3rd in Honda RYA Youth RIB Challenge Final.  
    Wilsonian member Adam Bermingham, having won the 8-12 yr.  old category in the SE Regional Final of the Honda RYA Youth RIB Challenge, competed against 14 other regional winners in the National Final.  The final was held at the Southampton Boat Show on Saturday 15th September.  Adam did very well and finished 3rd in the very tight contest.

     

  • Mother and Daughter both do well at Crawley Mariners  
    8th September was the Crawley Mariners YC round of the Topper SE Traveller Series.  38 sailors raced in the difficult very light wind conditions. Stephanie Wicken finished in the prizes with 5th overall and was the first non-lake club sailor.  Her mother Jo, one of several parents competing, finished close behind in 7th just ahead of another Wilsonian youth sailor, Alex Le Gassick, in 8th.

    See the SE Toppers website for full results including other Wilsonian sailors.

     

  • Isle of Sheppey Round the Island Race 1st September  
    The first four places of the 91 entries in this years IOS Round the Island Race were taken by cataramans but the first monuhull, in 5th place overall, was Wilsonian's Mark Goodchild in his International Canoe.
    Wilsonian results in top ten monohulls:
    5th overall, 1st monohull - Mark Goodchild, Int. Canoe
    10th overall, 5th monohull - Paul Heather/Jonathan Osgood, Osprey
    15th overall, 10th monhull - Stuart Bailey/Zoe Noble, Buzz

    See the full results on Isle of Sheppy SC website.

     

  • Wilsonian Toppers success at Medway YC  
    1st September was Medway YC hosted a round of the Topper SE Traveller Series. Wilsonian's Stephanie Wicken had a very close tussle with Medway's Jonathan Hewat for the top prize in the 35 boat fleet. It was down to the last race which Stephanie eventually won by a mere boat length. Other Wilsonians in the top positions were Alex Le Gassick (3rd) and Martin Lown (6th).
    

    See the SE Toppers website for full results including other Wilsonian sailors.

     

  • Final Week of Late Summer Series - 2nd September  
    The final stage of the late summer series at Wilsonian Sailing Club on Sunday was blessed with a fresh southwesterly breeze to give all 40 competing boats some exhilarating downwind sailing.  However with wind against tide in the afternoon, the lumpy sea resulted in a few early retirements.

    Six races were to count in the 10-week series and many were short of the six results needed, and Tony Hunt/S Hall (3000) and Martin Jones (Contender) did this style.  Hunt/Hall claimed two wins that leapfrogged them to overall victors and a 3rd & 2nd for Jones promoted him to runners-up spot.  Chris Ashby/Katie Parris (RS 400) in spite of disappointing results held for third.  While Ian Parris/Sam Proctor took advantage of Andy Pickrell/Caroline Alexander in the other RS 800 to being on duty and scored a 4th & 3rd to lift them to fourth on aggregate leaving Pickrell/Alexander to settle for fifth.  Juniors Tom Lambert/Nicola Smith (29er), on holiday, had done well previously to retain 6th spot.

    47 boats had entered the medium handicap but few had sailed enough races to count.  Brian Lamb/Derek Cummings (Wayfarer) was holding pole position but Neil Lamprell (Phantom) needed two more results to give him a chance of taking the title.
    Despite Lamb/Cummings winning both races, a 4th & 3rd gave Lamprell overall victory by just one point.  A couple of fifths gave Brian Reeve (Phantom) third spot and David Fenech/Alison Williams held for fourth.  Laser 2000s filled the next three places; John Parsons/Bryan Dunmall had a disastrous day, their main halyard broke in the morning and retired after capsizing in the afternoon but a 1st & 2nd the previous week kept them in fifth overall, with Roy Winnett/Jim Tyler sixth and Jayne Lambert/Paul Thorpe seventh.

    The Miracle fleet after a disappointing turnout so far this season were out in force with seven boats competing.  Martin Smith/Mike Groom was already assured of the series, so two more wins was icing on the cake.  There were several changes for the other places though.  Paul Rodgers moved up above Colin/Maureen Lown, who was not competing, to take runners-up spot with a 4th & 3rd and Lesley O’Rourke was relegated to fourth.

    In the Slow Handicap and Junior fleets, no competitors had completed enough qualifying races for a result. However many of the Juniors had competed in the Fast and Medium fleets.

    Overall Series Results
    Fast Handicap:
    1st Tony Hunt/S Hall/David Bourne/Alison Dart (3000), 2nd Martin Jones (Contender), 3rd Chris Ashby/ Mike Smith/Sam Proctor/Katie Parris (RS 400), 4th Ian Parris/ Sam Proctor (RS 800), 5th Andy Pickrell/Caroline Alexander (RS800), 6th Tom Lambert/Nicola Smith (29er)
    Medium Handicap:
    1st Neil Lamprell (Phantom), 2nd Brian Lamb/Susan Raiser/Bobbie Burnell/Derek Cummings (Wayfarer), 3rd Brian Reeve (Phantom), 4th David Fenech/Alison Williams (3000), 5th John Parsons/Bryan Dunmall (Laser 2000), 6th Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert/Andy Reeves/Jim Tyler (Laser 2000), 7th Jayne Lambert/Paul Thorpe (Laser 2000).
    Miracles:
    1st Martin Smith/Mike Groom, 2nd Paul Rodgers/Colin Treadwell, 3rd Colin/Maureen Lown, 4th Lesley O’Rourke/Adrian Watson/Peter Matthews/Angie Clemence/C Rolf.

     

  • Wednesday Evening Series - Final Result  
    Light wind for the final week of the series (29th August) but all the boats got round without a tow.  The popularity of series was evident again this year.  Although many people were only able to get to the club in time for the race a few times, an impressive total of 48 helms/boats participated in the series.

    Thank you to Tony Hunt who organized the series and cajoled participants into taking their turn at duties.  Thank you also to Len ayris who voluntered to do the CDO job for the majority of weeks.

    Top places in Race 18 were: 1st Lucy Heather/Simon Conway (RS200), 2nd Martin McKay/Babara Lowden (Miracle), 3rd Tim Kift/John Player(59er).

    Series Final Top Positions:
    1st Tony Hunt/David Bourne/Alison Williams/Hannah Packman (V3000 3603)
    2nd Grahame Smith (Musto Skiff 291)
    3rd Andy Gibbs (Phantom 693)
    4th Steve Tinnams (RS600 641)
    5th Ian Foxwell (Int. Canoe 245)
    6th Peter Heyes/Sam Heyes/Andy Gibb/Josh Heyes,S Goddard (V3000 3602)
    7th John Player (Laser 160567)
    8th Tim Kift/Jo Wicken/Chris Ashby/John Player (59er 111).

     

  • Pursuit Race - 27th August  
    The sun and gentle breeze encouraged a good entry for the second Pursuit Race of the year. The personal handicaps worked well as people were pretty close at the finish. As the last seconfds ticked away it was still not certain which of the first three would win. In the end, Andy Hockey kept his nerve and just hung on to his lead.

    Provisional Results
    1st Andy Hockey/Rachel Scott, Laser 2000
    2nd Martin Jones, Contender
    3rd John Shenton/Martin Lown, Osprey
    

     

  • Three Race Regatta - 26th August  
    With many members away on holiday and several others who turned up but then decided the day was going to be a drifter and so went home again, the entry was somewhat lower than usual.  However, for the 11 boats that stayed, all three scheduled races were completed.
    With two firsts and a second it was Lucy Heather and Simon Conway (RS200) who won the event.

    Provisional Results
    1st Lucy Heather/Simon Conway, RS200
    2nd Holly Hewat/Tony Hunt, V3000
    3rd Chris Ashby/Mick Smith, RS400
    

     

  • Great Result for Mark & Doug  
    Mark Heather and Doug Horner continued their good form by coming 2nd in the Laser 4000 National Championship held at South Caernarvonshire Yacht Club, Abersoch 29th July - 1st August.
    The event was won by Pete Barton & Bonnie Moody, Royal Lymington YC.

     

  • Wilsonian results away from home  
    Stephanie Wicken finished a very good 11th overall at the Irish National Championships held at Killyleagh, Co Down 27-29 July. Her score line included a race win.

    La Rochelle, France was the venue for the Buzz and ISO Eurocup 23-27 July.  Stuart Bailey & Zoe Noble took the Buzz silverware with a perfect score of all firsts.  Peter Horner & David Brooker finished second.  
    

     

  • Adam successful again in RIB Challenge  
    The RYA Honda Youth RIB Challenge is an annual competition in 50hp powerboats for youngsters who are members of sailing clubs.  They compete in two age categories - 8-12yrs and 13-16yrs.  The SE Region heat was held at Piddinghoe on 21st July.
    For the second year running, it was Wilsonian's Adam Bermingham who won the 8-12yrs category .  Adam will now compete in the National Finals to be held at the Southampton Boat Show on 15th September.

     

  • Final Races of Early Summer Series - 22nd July  
    Report by Roy Winnett
    A light shifty southwesterly marred the final races in the early summer series at Wilsonian Sailing Club on Sunday, however plenty of sunshine did brighten up the procedures. 24 boats in the fast handicap, 34 in the medium handicap and 9 Miracles had contested the 10 race series.
    With 6 races to count the top prizes were still up for grabs in the fast handicap. And Tony Hunt/S Hall (3000) did just that by winning both races to secure the pole position. Chris Ashby/Katie Parris (RS 4000) added a 2nd and 3rd to confirm runners-up spot, while Martin Jones picked up a 3rd in the morning but a disappointing 8th after lunch but held for third on aggregate. Ian Foxwell/Hannah Packman (29er) and Stewart Robertson/Sonja Riley (Laser 4000) did enough to claim fourth and fifth prizes respectively. The conditions did not suit Ian Parris/Sam Proctor (RS 800) and a 7th and 10th left them outside the prizes in sixth position overall.

    Brian Reeve (Phantom) had to hold off the challenge from Brian Lamb/Paul Rodgers (Wayfarer) to secure the medium handicap crown and he did this in style by beating them each time, so Lamb/Rodgers had to settle for second spot. Laser 2000s captured the rest of the prizes and despite poor performances from David Vettergreen/Bernard Smith and Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert their previous results were sufficient to take third and fourth prizes respectively. A couple of fifths lifted John Parsons/Bryan Dunmall to 5th overall, while Jayne Lambert/Paul Thorpe who were elsewhere still held for 6th, just one point clear of Richard Metcalfe (Laser EPS) making a late challenge with a brace of fourths.

    Just four Miracles were on the start line but included the three contenders for the top spots. Martin Smith/Mike Groom won each time with David/Jackie Hudson second and Lesley O’Rourke/Adrian Watson third, confirming the same positions on aggregate.

    With all the Junior Fleet contenders sailing elsewhere this week, the final positions stayed unchanged. The three Toppers of Alex LeGassick, Martin Lown and Aaron Smith filled the prize positions.

    Overall Prizes
    Fast handicap: 1st Tony Hunt/S Hall (3000) 2nd Chris Ashby/Mike Smith (RS 400) 3rd Martin Jones (Contender) 4th Ian Foxwell/Hannah Packman (29er) 5th Stewart Robertson/Sonja Riley (Laser 4000)
    Medium handicap: 1st Brian Reeve (Phantom) 2nd Brian Lamb/Brian Warwick (Wayfarer) 3rd David Vettergreen/Janice Smith (Laser 2000) 4th Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert (Laser 2000) 5th John Parsons/Bryan Dunmall (Laser 2000) 6th Jayne Lambert/Paul Thorpe (Laser 2000)
    Miracles: 1st Martin Smith/Mike Groom 2nd David/Jackie Hudson 3rd Lesley O’Rourke/Adrian Watson/Peter Matthews
    Juniors: 1st Alex Le Gassick (Topper), 2nd Martin Lown (Topper), 3rd Aaron Smith (Topper).

     

  • Medway Dinghy Regatta - 14th/15th July  
    Report by Roy Winnett
    The Medway Dinghy Regatta, hosted and organised by Wilsonian Sailing Club on behalf of the Medway Yachting Association was held over the weekend 14th & 15th July.  There was an excellent entry of 88 boats, with 39 visitors representing 15 sailing clubs including a contingent of 10 from Broxbourne SC and a fleet of Laser Stratos from Ahoy Sailing Centre.
    The event was sponsored by MTS Cleaning Services and Laser UK and incorporated the Pacer Nationals, and open meetings for the 3000 and the Laser Vortex.  Four races were scheduled, two on each day, with three to count and with a Barbeque /Disco on Saturday evening.

    A blustery southwesterly gusting to 20 knots gave demanding conditions for the opening race and with wind against the flood tide the lumpy sea added to the challenge.  The wind eased after lunch to provide some respite to those who had survived.  In contrast the wind backed to a light fluky easterly overnight making the beat against the tide a tedious process and many boats failed to finish within the two-hour time limit.  However an unexpected force 3 to 4 sprung up for the final race and this gave the best conditions of the weekend, so everyone who had stayed could go home rejuvenated.

    The International Canoe aces Mark Goodchild and Simon Allen as usual dominated the Fast Handicap, though Ian Foxwell/Hannah Packman (29er) tried to spoil their campaign.  Goodchild eventually came out on top with four pole positions, he won the first race by just one second over Allen, he led the fleet in races 2 and 3 for comfortable victories, was challenged by Andrew Pickrell/Jonathan White (RS 800) in the final race before registering another win, while Allen added a fifth to a couple of seconds for overall runners-up spot.  Foxwell/Packman had a 2nd, 3rd and 5th to count to secure third on aggregate and a 2nd for Pickrell/White in the last race promoted them to 4th overall.

    In the Laser Vortex fleet, Phil Harris mastered the conditions well to win the first race with ease, finishing 6 minutes ahead of second placed Neil Spinks, but a dip in race 2 allowed Mike Gower to win with Spink second and Ben Rayner third.  Family commitments prevented Harris from sailing on Sunday. None finished in the third race but Spink sealed victory with a win in the final race, with Gower second and Rayner third.

    There was confusion over the postponement of the Medium Handicap fleet in race 1 and fourteen boats started prematurely.  However, Neil Lamprell (Phantom), David Vettergreen/Janice (Laser 2000), Jo Wicken (Laser Radial) and Jayne Lambert/Paul Thorpe (Laser 2000) started correctly and finished in this order.  Lamprell won in the afternoon with Vettergreen/Smith second again.  All the fleet ran out of time in race 3, so with three races to count the four were ensured of securing the top four places.  In the final race Lamprell was beaten by Vettergreen/Smith for first and second prizes respectively, Lambert/Thorpe with a 9th and 7th were third and Wicken with a 8th and 14th was fourth.  Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert (Laser 2000) were able to count a 4th and 3rd so could claim the fifth prize.

    Tony Hunt/David Bourne won all three races for victory in the 3000 class event, with David Fenech/Alison Williams securing runners-up spot with a couple of seconds and a third.

    Richard Stone/Catherine Gore, after many years, failed to keep possession of the Wayfarer Matkin Trophy.  They were unable to sail the first race due to other commitments and needed results in the other three races, but the fleet was unable to finish within the time limit on Sunday morning, so was left with just a 1st and 2nd to count.  However, Roger Gibbs/Matthew Claridge with two seconds and a third under their belts came up trumps to lift the Matkin Trophy.nbsp; It was all-square between Brian Lamb/John Player and John Goudie/Susan Raiser going into the last race with a 1st and 4th apiece, but Lamb/Player held for third to claim second prize while a fourth secured Goudie/Raiser the third prize.

    David/Sandra Wilson (Graduate), winners of the Slow Handicap Medway Regatta Trophy for the past few years, were upstaged by Ceilldh Higgs/Alex Benfield in their Mirror and had to settle for second spot with Bob Redrup/Martin Wayland (RS Feva) third.
    As six Toppers had entered they were able to have their own fleet, which Stephanie Wicken won with ease, winning the three races.  Daniel Redrupp came second with Leigh Rees-Reynolds third.

    It was a similar story with the four Pacers and four Miracles the victors winning all four races.  Colin/Maureen Lown consistently got their tactics right to win the Miracle event, with David/Jackie Hudson second.  While Mike Warwicket/Kate Fitzsimmons won the Pacer event with Bill/Laura Banks runner-up.

    Overall Results/Prizes
    Fast Handicap: 1st Int. Canoe 265 Mark Goodchild (Wilsonian YC) 3pts, 2nd Int. Canoe 278 Simon Allen (Hayling Island SC) 9pts, 3rd 29er 060 Ian Foxwell/Hanna Packman (Wilsonian SC) 10pts, 4th RS 800 11 Andrew Pickrell/Jonathan White (Wilsonian SC) 11 pts, 5th RS 400 1283 Chris Ashby/Mike Smith (Wilsonian SC) 18pts.
    Medium Handicap: 1st Phantom 1073 Neil Lamprell (Wilsonian SC) 4pts, 2nd Laser 2000 2634 David Vettergreen/Janice Smith (Wilsonian SC) 5pts, 3rd Laser 2000 21314 Jayne Lambert/Paul Thorpe (Wilsonian SC) 20pts, 4th Laser Radial 133369 Jo Wicken (Wilsonian SC) 25pts, 5th Laser 2000 21792 Roy Winnett/Geoff Lambert (Wilsonian SC) 26pts.
    Slow Handicap: 1st Mirror 70335 Cellidh Higgs/Alex Benfield (Herne Bay SC) 4pts, 2nd Graduate 2974 David/Sandra Wilson (Broadwater SC) 5pts, 3rd RS Feva 2424 Bob Redrup/Martin Wayland (Broxbourne SC) 7pts.
    Wayfarers: 1st 1759 Roger Gibbs/Matthew Claridge (Medway YC) 7pts, 2nd 10201Brian Lamb/John Player (Wilsonian SC) 8pts, 3rd 9812 John Goudie/Susan Raiser (Wilsonian SC) 9pts.
    Miracles: 1st 206 Colin/Maureen Lown (Wilsonian SC) 3pts, 2nd 3795 David/Jackie Hudson (Wilsonian SC).
    Laser Vortex: 1st 1048 (Yorkshire Dales SC) 5pts, 2nd 1013 Mike Gower (Wilsonian SC) 6pts, 3rd 1136 Ben Rayner (Yorkshire Dales SC) 10pts, 3000: 1st 3603 Tony Hunt/David Bourne (Wilsonian SC) 3pts, 2nd David Fenech/Alison Williams (Wilsonian SC), 3rd 3605 Peter/Joshua Heyes (Wilsonian SC) 10pts.
    Pacers: 1st 2302 Mike Warwicket/Kate Fitzsimmons (Bough Beech SC) 3pts, 2nd 1700 Bill/Laura Banks (Bough Beech SC) 8pts, 3rd 2299 Russell/Aaron Knottley (Bough Beech SC) 10pts.
    Toppers: 1st 22418 Stephanie Wicken (Wilsonian SC) 3pts, 2nd 41358 Daniel Redrupp (Broxbourne SC) 8pts, 3rd 31728 Leigh Rees-Reynolds (Broxbourne SC) 12pts.  

    Full Results.

     

  • Stephanie does well at KSSA Coastal Regatta - 7th/8th July  
    One of the highlights of the Kent Schools Sailing Association's programme is the Summer Training Camp and Coastal regatta held annually at Sandwich Bay.  Wilsonian's Stephanie Wicken finished 2nd overall in this year's regatta and first Topper.

     

  • Evevning Race (John Yeo Trophy) - 7th July  
    Report to follow

    Full Results.

     

  • Wilsonian Grand Prix & Two-of-a-kind - Sunday 1st July  
    Report by Tony Hunt
    Boats from as far away as Hayling Island and Chew Valley were entered in the Craftinsure-sponsored Wilsonian Grand Prix on 1st July, with 13 different classes in the Two-of-a-Kind element . A threatening weather forecast turned into an equally tricky wind, however, and as a result entries on the day were down to 40, of which only 10 boats finished after contending with a very turbulent F.5-6 wind, gusting 7.

    Martin Jones’ Contender avoided capsize to lead the race for much of the way, and despite being re-passed by Simon Allen’s International Canoe shortly before the finish, took first place easily on corrected time, leaving Simon to pick up second on handicap.  Stuart Bailey and Zoe Noble sailed their Buzz doggedly into third slot overall, a good margin ahead of Brian Lamb and Brian Warwick’s Wayfarer - the only one of four Wayfarers to survive.

    There were eight different classes in the top ten of the Grand Prix, eight boats being class representatives also entered in the Two-of-a-Kind, including all the entrants referred to above.  Next class to finish, and winner of the two-man hiking boat with asymmetric spinnaker category, was the RS Vision of John Hewat and Jo Wicken, with the Laser 2000, Vortex and Musto Skiff classes following up.  Thus singlehanders, two-man boats, trapeze and hiking boats and boats with symmetric and asymmetric spinnakers as well as those with no spinnakers were represented in the top ten.  Normally, category prizes would have been awarded down the field to spread the rewards also among classes disadvantaged by the conditions, but in the event all finishers were given prizes in recognition of the difficulty of simply getting around the course.

    A number of classes had sent in their regrets for not attending the two-of a kind, and had asked to be informed early enough of next year’s date to incorporate it in their class programme, so that next year’s event promises to be bigger and better.  For sure, next year’s wind must be an improvement!

    Results
    1st Contender, Martin Jones
    2nd International Canoe, Simon Allen
    3rd Buzz, Stuart Bailey & Zoe Noble
    4th Wayfarer, Brian Lamb & Brian Warwick
    5th RS Vision, John Hewat & Jo Wicken
    6th Contender, Matthew Love
    7th Laser 2000, David Vettergreen & Bernard Smith
    8th Laser Vortex, Simon Middleton
    9th Musto Skiff, Grahame Smith
    10th Laser 2000, Andy Hockey & Louise Somers

    Two of a Kind Results
    1st Contender
    2nd International Canoe
    3rd Buzz
    4th Wayfarer
    5th RS Vision
    6th Laser 2000
    7th Laser Vortex
    8th Musto Skiff

    Full Results.

     

  • Medway Sailors' Success 9th/10th June  
    Wilsonian's Mark Heather & Doug Horner coninued their run of good results in the Laser 4000 UK Series with a win at Felixstowe Ferry SC and Stuart Bailey & Zoe Noble won the Buzz Open at the same venue.
    At Lancing SC, Medway YC's Jonathan Hewat won the Topper Open and Wilsonian's Stephanie Wicken was also in the prizes with a 5th place finish.

     

  • South Kent Race - 10th June  
    No report this week but here are the top places.
    1st Tony Hunt/S Hall, V3000, 2nd Brian Lamb/Bobbie Burnell, Wayfarer, 3rd John Goudie/Susan Raiser, Wayfarer, 4th Ian Parris /Hannah Packman, RS800, 5th Grahame Smith, Musto Skiff, 6th Stewart Robinson/Sonja Riley, Laser 4000.

     

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