Brightlingsea Sailing Club's Bank Holiday Time Trials
by Mary Henderson-White 30 May 14:07 BST
27 May 2024
Bank Holiday Monday's Awesome Activity Day at Brightlingsea Sailing Club was a resounding success! Masterminded and executed by the General Committee, members and guests enjoyed an excellent afternoon of time trialling in three categories:
- Handicap (BYO boat)
- Topaz (BSC's own fleet)
- Paddlesports... which became Wing Foilers due to a healthy breeze
The club Topazes were all rigged and ready on the beach by 1.30pm when the trialling period was opened. The course was a "hook start" around Turning Mark laid in its usual position in front of the Sailing Club. From there it was a fetch to Prom Green, a quick reach across the flooding tide to The Yellow Cube (AKA a speed limit buoy), followed by a run back to Turning Mark.
With the grandstand (tiered seawall) buzzing, the bar busy and Fiona's sandwiches devoured, the Holland Twins were seen plotting their strategy with Race Engineer Jo Linton, and then they were off in about 15knots of wind, setting the pace with some early lap times.
The Herberts, Jess and Tom were flying around the course closely followed by Willow and Katy. Having set some double-handed laps, and having watched his wife do it for so long, David Conlon's competitive streak spurred him into giving hiking a go! Unsurprisingly, Sarah had been showing him the way and David topped the leaderboard with 5mins 52secs.
Topaz swapsies went on for the next hour or so, and everyone was getting involved to try and beat David's time. Well done to Oliver Herbert - fastest child in a Topaz, and Benjamin Holland & George Canham - Fastest Taz.
As the trialling period was drawing to a close, the Musto Skiffs thought it was about time they had a go, and Eddie Bridle came out ahead with a time of 4mins 15secs. In the Wing fleet, Commodore Ben Clegg passed some RYA levels by successfully foiling around the triangular course. Meanwhile, Josh and Emma were getting some air time and putting on a show for the spectators.
Thank you to Brightlingsea Sailing Club for hosting such an inclusive day with all boats, boards, ages and abilities enjoying the water together. We look forward to what the next Awesome Activity Day will bring!