Man of Kent Regatta at Margate Yacht Club

Prize winners at the Man of Kent Regatta © Dave Bull

To say this year's Man of Kent, hosted by Margate Yacht Club, was a challenge would be a bit of an understatement for some. Doing a fair impression of a submarine downwind was a distinct possibility with a fair swell kicked up by the south westerly 5 gusting 6. Getting the bear - away was an extremely dodgy experience & resulted in more than a few examining their bottoms for barnacles & the occasional pitchpole.

With competitor numbers slightly down on previous years, undoubtedly because of the weather conditions, the event attracted a wide range of boats & ages of pilots, from young pretenders in Toppers through Miracles, Lasers, & RS’s right up to the impressive B14’s and more mature adventurers in Contenders.

Assisting MYC with help from Broadstairs & Minnis in race management & safety boat cover, the event marked a welcome return to the venue. Held over three races, & a course expanded from a windward leeward for the first race, a triangle for second & for the last blast, a fourth mark to make a trapezoidal, it was a test of crew stamina & luck that bits of boat didn’t give way under the strain. Unfortunately there were some breakages, that heralded an early shower for some, but I’m glad to report that although the safety boats were kept busy, no serious injuries were reported.

Overall Results:

Man of Kent
Mike Speller / Kial Doolin – Minnis Bay SC - Laser 2000

Maid of Kent
Clara Marce – Downs SC Deal – Buzz

Master of Kent
Richard Buttner – Royal Cinque Ports YC – Contender

Junior of Kent
Richard Thomas – Broadstairs SC – Topper

Team prize
Minnis Bay SC