Man Of Kent competition at Downs Sailing Club

Good Winds For Men Of Kent

Downs Sailing Club hosted the Man Of Kent competition on 23rd September, supported and sponsored this year by Lipscomb Volvo Centres. This annual competition is open to all Sailing Clubs and Associations in East Kent, who take it in turns to hold the competition.

The weather was autumnal and foreboding when competitors started to arrive at 9am. There were heavy skies threatening squalls, and a breezy Northerly wind creating a heavy swell running onto the beach. This didn't prove a problem due to the excellent beach party and teamwork that got all the sailors and rescue boats off safely. There was 30 boats on the beach, with 14 of them from the host Club. The format of the day was to be one race, followed by lunch followed by two races back to back.

By the start of the first race the wind had got up, gusting Force 4-5 with the threatened squally showers materialising. There was also a very strong tide running south. This proved very influential in tactics, with most boats opting to go inshore to get out of the tide. After the first lap, the racing was close between the Dart 15 of Jim Jeffery from Sandwich Bay and Chairman of the East Kent Yachting Association, and the Contender of Peter Noble from Broadstairs. However, after the second lap Noble was in front and by the third lap had pulled out a significant lead. This gave him a first overall. Also reveling in the strong winds and racing well were Rory Sharvill and James Cooke from the host club in the 420, who were managing to give the faster boats a good race. This gave them 2nd on handicap, with the Buzz of Ed & Sarah Styles in 3rd.

After a break for lunch the sailors launched again, helped by another great effort from the beach party. By the time the competitors had reached the start area the wind had dropped from the first race. Fortunately the tide was slacking so this helped to compensate. After pulling out another good lead, Peter Noble again took 1st on handicap. He was followed on handicap by local sailors Ed & Sarah Styles in their Buzz, and by Sally & Martyn Styles in their RS200.

The start of the third race was rather interesting, with most boats failing to take notice that the tide had changed and was now pushing them over the line. This resulted in a general recall and a restart. The second start was better as the boats took account of the tide, but was even closer as the competitors grappled to get a good start. This resulted in several very near misses as boats came within inches of hitting each other and the committee boat! The wind had picked up again, and this combined with the turned tide eant that the competitors were able to get round the course much quicker. After a bad start, Noble was unable to make up the deficit and could only post a 10th. 1st were another Downs Buzz team Simon Cory and Amy Sleep, whilst Ed & Sarah Styles demonstrated great consistency posting another second , with Rory Sharvill and James Cooke 3rd.

Overall Results:

Trophies:

More Information:

• Downs Sailing Club website