Snipe Open at Shoreham Sailing Club
by Ian Knight 13 Jun 2012 07:18 BST
3-4 June 2012
The Snipe class visited Shoreham Sailing Club over the Sunday and Monday of the extended bank holiday weekend, although a month later than previous years the conditions were more akin to early May.
Towing out of the harbour in no wind there was an unexpected swell at sea. A full on 20 knot breeze soon arrived under a black cloud and for then on a white knuckle ride ensued. The strong tide made short work of the upwind leg and extended the exhilarating off wind ride. With the first four boats taking a swim at the gybe mark, it was clear that just staying upright was the fastest way to take the corner. After 75 minutes and 3 laps completed, only 12 seconds split the first two crews.
As is usual the 7 visiting and 1 local crews with partners and children socialised into the evening. Her Majesty surprised us with her presence in the form of a full sized cardboard statue, partaking in the family atmosphere and games.
The wind continued into day two but switched offshore allowing the sea to relax a little for race 2, nonetheless the first start saw a number of competitors inspecting the underside of there boats again. The third and final race saw the wind gradually ease with half the fleet clearing the finish before there was insufficient puff to beat the tide. The sailing finished as it had started the day before with a tow back into the harbour.
The Open was won by Alan Williams and Liz Pike from Blue Circle Sailing Club in Kent with two wins and a second place. Many thanks went to the race committee and rescue boat crews for enduring the steep swell on the Sunday and cold northerly wind on the Monday.
Overall Results:
1st Ian Knight & Caroline Williams (Shoreham SC)
2nd Sue & Steve Roberts (Blue Circle SC)
3rd Iain Marshall & Ewan Harris (Blackwater SC)
4th Richard Marshall & Graham Hoy (Blackwater SC)
5th Ian Gregory & Jake Stevens