Having recently been awarded the title of Best UK Sailing Club by the RYA, Gurnard SC managed to lay on perfect weather for the first race of the season last Sunday and persuade some 40 boats to turn out to revel in the sun and freshening wind.

For the new season Club Admiral Brian Cole has retired as race officer after several years at the sharp end and his place taken by Steve Cole – and yes, they are related as father and son!

There were some new entries in the cat fleet which scampered around a compact course, with Paul Bowen taking first place as guest helm in Paul Jennings’ Hurricane. Humphrey Carter did well with second place in his first race in a newly-purchased Hobie.

Keith Hayden took full advantage of the flat water to plane into the lead in the fast group ahead of the RS400s. James Downer and Phil Wright had a close race throughout before filling second and third in that order.  

The 10 starters in the medium group showed some rustiness at their start, with the lone RS200 of Piers Rowlandson having a promising first lap before being overwhelmed by the Lasers and driven off the leader board.

Several of the slow group showed discretion in the rising wind, leaving Mike Peddar to take the win followed by Robbie Southwell and Ed Collinge.

Ashore, the rotas of volunteer support teams in escort boats, bar and kitchen took up their duties at the start of another busy season of small boat sailing planned for Gurnard Bay.

HW 1220

WIND  W  10/12 knts

BIG CATS

Number of Starters  6

SPRINT SPORTS

Number of Starters 2