Heron National Championships at Chipstead Sailing Club
by John Dale 19 Jun 2013 08:06 BST
15 June 2013
Andy Dale and Amanda Harris win the Heron nationals at Chipstead © Derek Dodd
The Heron association can really pick their days at Chipstead, as for the second year running an open event at the venue provided the most testing conditions. Overcast skies and gusts of 35-40 knots kept all competitors on their toes as they sailed on the limit of what a Heron can take.
With boats planing on white horses and gusts that followed each individual boat around the course snarling and hissing, it really was a gruelling day and my thanks to everyone who turned up, even if windguru was predicting the worst. A special thanks to the visitors from Eyott S.C., Upriver S.C. and Welton S.C. who made the event a special day.
Andy Dale of Eyott was pushed all the way by Matt Picket, Upriver and Dave Butler, Welton in all three races, which saw tactical duels across the lake, as each helm fought for the outright and overall competition lead.
The individual winner of all three races was Andy Dale, who took the coveted overall title, whilst Matt Picket was second and Dave Butler a worthy third. Peter Moulton won the Chipstead Plate for the highest placed home boat, whilst Luke Hagon of Chipstead, took home the junior trophy and Paul Atkinson the Endeavour trophy.
Overall Results:
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Race 1
1st Andy Dale & Amanda Harris
2nd Matt Picket & Claire Picket
3rd Peter Moulton & John Dale
Race 2
1st Andy Dale & Amanda Harris
2nd Matt Picket & Claire Picket
3rd Dave Butler and Dan Fox
Race 3
(only two boats finished)
1st Andy Dale & Amanda Harris
2nd Dave Butler and Dan Fox
Overall Champions Andy Dale & Amanda Harris
Family trophy Matt Pickett & Claire Pickett
1st Chipstead Boat: Peter Moulton & John Dale
Over 50's trophy: Dave Butler
Junior trophy: Luke Hagon & Ryan
Endeavour trophy: Paul Atkinson & Will Maguire