Spitfire Open at Eastbourne Sovereign Sailing Club

Action from the 3rd Spitfire TT event of the season at Eastbourne © Gary Smith

Eastbourne Sovereign Sailing Club were fine hosts for the 3rd Spitfire TT event of the season on July 2/3rd. The usual slick organisation and quick turnaround of the races was really welcome as Saturday brought force 5 winds and huge seas in Eastbourne Bay. Although the windward leeward course looked huge the 15 Spitfire fleet made short work of the beats despite getting airbourne at times then it was hang on time for the wild downwind ride.

Recorded speeds were over 22knots with the steep waves slowing some boats abruptly and wiping out others. Good technique was required in these conditions and Chris Sproat and Georgina Burke sailing 'doctors! I wouldn't let them operate on me' won all 3 races of the day in fine style.

Sunday saw them continue the course and repeat the dose with 3 more wins, the fleet just thankful for the reduction in the wind and sea state. In the now perfect conditions John Hutchings and Gilly Green continued their run of 2nd and third places to secure 2nd overall.

RYA coach Marcus Green crewed by dinghy sailor Steve Turner in the class demo boat soon got to grips with the boat and despite a huge pitchpole in the 4th race managed to hold on to 3rd place overall from Gary Smith and Lynn Whitmore who were trying hard to claim a refund from the recent training day.

Thanks to all the helpers at Eastbourne, especially the beach party helping boats ashore.

Overall Results: