Kestrel Open at Goldhanger Sailing Club

Brisk conditions for the Kestrel fleet at Goldhanger © Julie Jarvey

As the fleet arrived at Goldhanger S.C. on Saturday 14th June we were pleasantly surprised by more wind than forecast. By the time racing started the breeze had built to Force 5. With the largest fleet of the year the start line was hectic. Against the tide the majority stayed close to the shore. Richard & Mark Hartley overstood the windward mark to hold out Dusty Miller & John Ellingham. Paul Jarvey & Kate Hearsum close hauled at the mark held out Dusty & John. Unfortunately as they gybed their kicker detached from the boom, leaving them to retire. James Jarvey & Ian Bray rounded next, then had a ‘splash and go’ capsize on the gybe mark without losing a place. Richard, Paul and James remained 1, 2, 3 to the finish. John & Olive Glasspool were fourth. Steve & Lin Worf fifth. Dave Hearsum & Gareth Fay sixth.

In race two Dusty & John lead at the windward mark, closely followed by Paul & Kate. As the fleet headed towards Osea the front runners went mark hunting, allowing Graham Richmond & Henry Richards to make gains followed by everyone behind, Richard & Mark catching the front after re-crossing at the start. Dusty & John regained the lead, Richard & Mark sailed strongly into second and James & Ian held third. Graham & Henry were fourth. Paul & Kate fifth. Steve & Lin sixth.

Saturday evening everyone was glowing from the sun and wind. The clubhouse was packed as we all enjoyed an excellent meal. Sunday morning started with a full English for those that took advantage.

Race three was sailed in a lesser Force 2-3. The wind had also swung, the windward mark now in the middle of the Estuary and tide. The fleet split and those that sailed up the shore before heading out for the mark got there first. John Weedon, Andrew & Christopher Richards and Graham & Henry all in the leading group. John held the lead for a lap before succumbing to the determined Richard & Mark. Dave & Gareth jumped from fifth to second on the beat along the shore. John took third. Paul & Kate took two places downwind to finish fourth. Graham & Henry were fifth, Andrew & Christopher were sixth.

Race four was lead at the windward mark by James & Ian. Paul & Kate, then Dusty & John followed, after the close reach made easier by the ebb tide, the fleet turned downwind to hug the shore out of the tide. Looking back at twenty very close spinnakers was unnerving. James & Ian stayed clear and lead to the finish. Dusty & John pushed hard and claimed second on the final run. Paul & Kate held off Richard & Mark on the final beat. Graham & Henry were fifth again, Steve & Lin sixth.

Richard and Mark were first overall, James & Ian second being most consistent. Paul & Kate third, Dusty & John fourth, having to count a 7th. Graham & Henry, the first home boat were fifth. The whole fleet enjoyed close racing and Goldhanger could not have been better hosts.

Overall Results;