Guildford Marine Frensham Frenzy 2015
by Jim Morley 11 Mar 2015 12:01 GMT
8 March 2015
Nick Craig in the Guildford Marine Frensham Frenzy 2015 © Clive Eplett
Sponsored by Guildford Marine
Frensham Sailing Club's annual March Frenzy once had a reputation for high winds and capsizes but Sunday March 8th brought sunny skies and a moderate but shifting Westerly breeze that strengthened at times. None the less it was a most enjoyable day's racing.
There were forty three entries for this two race pursuit event. The entries included visitors from nearby clubs and even a team from Anglesey. Frensham has always claimed to be "the nursery of champions" and this was well illustrated by the presence of past present and future champions who learned their skills as youngsters on this tricky water.
So, those taking part included veteran Finn helm Richard Hart, famous racing helm Keith Videlo, and current multi-class champion Nick Craig. Also a young local Cadet dinghy crew, Megan Fergusson and Jasmin Sfaxi, who could have a brilliant future. So that was the result after two races. Three boats, all on four points after two pursuit races; piloted by a junior, a grand master, and perhaps the UK's finest amateur sailor.
In race 1, Nick Craig was on fire overtaking forty boats plus and starting thirty-two minutes behind the Cadets. But little Megan and Jasmin in their Cadet gave even Nick a good run and he only stole the race in the last few metres of the rolling finish. Meanwhile Richard Smallwood in his 2.4 metre took third from Frensham's Matt Hill who had a fine race in his Laser. So each of the first six were a different class of boat. Perhaps the PY system does work.
The wind had dropped for the afternoon race but it was the same front three who battled for the honours. Those ashore were impressed by the handling skills of the young Cadet dinghy pair and cheered them on. These gave the famous Nick a real challenge and were ahead of him at the finish. This time it was Richard, (grand master) and a former offshore racing skipper, who sailed his 2.4 keelboat to win. Megan and Jasmin held off the great champion to come second and Nick Craig third. The racing was really tight throughout the day a 7th and a 4th secured Clive Eplett of Frensham 4th overall (and first master).
In the second race 11th was enough for Matt Hill to secure 5th from Huw Powell, European RS100 champion who was first visitor in 6th. It was difficult to separate the first three on equal points but the trophy was awarded to Richard Smallwood, with Nick Craig second, on count back, and Megan and Jasmin third. But the event was a credit to the skill of all who sailed on a very tricky day.
A fine selection of prizes were donated by the event sponsors Guildford Marine and were presented by proprietor Chris Granger. Competitors took part in a raffle for five copies of Nick Craig's very own new book Helming To Win. Something Nick is supremely good at.
Strangely, Commodore Keith Videlo was reluctant to present The Most Bizarre Moment award. So it fell to the sailing secretary to take over and award it to Keith whose mainsail fell down a minute before the start. Some said it was a shame there was no book on knots to present him with.
Keith Videlo thanked the race team with their leader Andy Shorrock and a special thanks to the kitchen staff who kept everyone well fed and happy throughout.
Top 6 results:
1st. Richard Smallwood – 2.4 metre - FPSC - 3rd and 1st. 4pts
2nd. Nick Craig – Devoti D-One – FPSC - 1st and 3rd. 4pts
3rd. Megan Fergusson & Jasmin Sfaxi - Cadet - FPSC - 2nd and 2nd. 4pts
4th. Clive Eplett – RS100 – FPSC - 7th and 4th. 11pts
5th. Matt Hill – Laser – FPSC - 4th and 11th. 15pts
6th. Huw Powell - RS100 – Red Wharf Bay Anglesey – 5th and 12th. 16pts
www.sailfrensham.org.uk