RS700 Racing Circuit at Hunstanton Sailing Club

Racing during the RS700 event at Hunstanton © Andy Holland

“Hunstanton Delivers Again”

The weekend started well with a Friday night curry for the early arrivals and expectations were high, with a fantastic 12-16 knot forecast predicted all week.

Saturday was disappointing to say the least with up to 35 knots and a lumpy sea running which looked beyond the limits of the boats. A few brave souls tried it but soon came back in before something broke.

After spending the afternoon chatting and catching the odd OK as it surfed into the beach, the fleet retired to the bar to enjoy a very pleasant evening sitting on the balcony, watching the sunset and partaking of a great BBQ provided by the club, not to mention the odd beer.

To make up for the disappointment of the previous day, Sunday delivered with F4-5 winds, a manageable sea and fantastic sunshine. Four races were run back-to-back with clockwork efficiency by the race team made for a great event whilst still allowing the fleet to set off home in a reasonable time.

Jon Heissig won the event again with a 1,2,1,4 scoreline, looking fast as usual but not untouchable. Richard Allen continued his good form from Carnac to take second in what will be his last event in the silver fleet! Rob Jones took 3rd place in the event which also moved him up to take a well deserved second in the 2009 circuit.

Stuart Riches picked up his maiden race win after benefitting from a left of centre bang in the final race as the tide began to turn. Colin Dacey took the Pond Life trophy for best inland sailor out of the top 3. Robbie Bell picks up the Debutante’s Ball as best newcomer, finishing all of the races in some very challenging conditions.

Thanks to Hunstanton for running another great event and for making everyone fee really welcome. This small club always manages to deliver a fantastic weekend’s sailing.

That’s it for the 2009 circuit events but the season continues with the Nationals at Royal Torbay in September and the Inlands at Queen Mary in October. There’s just time to qualify for the early entry discount and for LDC’s money off vouchers against new sails as long as you enter before the 28th.

Overall Results: