Eskimo Pursuit Trophy at Blackpool & Fleetwood Yacht Club
by Chris Chapman 2 Jan 2005 17:02 GMT
28 December 2004
Action from the Eskimo Pursuit Race at Blackpool & Fleetwood Yacht Club © Dave Walker /
www.davewalkerphotography.com
Neil Marsden and Graham Nelson won the Eskimo Pursuit Trophy at Blackpool & Fleetwood Yacht Club in fine style sailing a 470. This was the first 470 victory since Laurie Smith won here some years ago – not bad company then.
The race attracted 42 starters (including 26 visitors.) Only 20 boats managed a finish in challenging weather conditions with wind gusting between 20 and 35 knots. Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club achieved a credible 5 boats in the top ten.
There was plenty of entertainment for the spectators with most boats managing a capsize or two. At the penultimate jibe mark the Merlin Rocket of R Whitworh was ahead only to capsize. Marsden saw his chance but he too went over. Marsden and Nelson were first to right themselves and dominated the race to the finish.
Peter Mountain and his team did a splendid job managing the race. The mulled wine was flowing to complete what was a fun event for all involved.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Boat Type | Helm | Club |
|---|
| 1st | 470 | N Marsden | B&FYC |
| 2nd | Merlin Rocket | R Whitworth | HLSC |
| 3rd | Merlin Rocket | N Hegginbotham | HLSC |
| 4th | Merlin Rocket | J Parry | HLSC |
| 5th | Scorpion | S Walker | Penine SC |