Glorious conditions for series opener

Warm sunshine and winds lighter than predicted greeted sailors for the opening races of the Early Summer Series at Hastings & St Leonards Sailing Club.
Max Cholerton and Lucas Terry win their race at Hastings & St Leonards Sailing Club under the guidance of Simon Terry MBEMax Cholerton and Lucas Terry win their race at Hastings & St Leonards Sailing Club under the guidance of Simon Terry MBE
Max Cholerton and Lucas Terry win their race at Hastings & St Leonards Sailing Club under the guidance of Simon Terry MBE

Laser sailors debated whether to sail with full sails to match the conditions or smaller sails in line with the forecast.

Andy Francis made the right decision, deploying a full sail for the actual winds. Francis’ more powerful rig and faultless sailing allowed him to pull quickly ahead and win both the morning races.

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The rest of the fleet were underpowered in their smaller Radial sails, but nonetheless enjoyed close and competitive racing. Roy Sandford took second in the first race and Steve Clark second in the second race.

Two boats were disqualified for not correctly sailing the course, but with light winds, sunshine and a sparkling sea, it was easy to forgive sailors for losing concentration.

In the afternoon race, Roy Sandford was on form, taking his first win of the day, and Hugh Ashford, now sailing with a full sail, was second. In the handicap fleet, Philip and Margaret Blurton in a Tasar won their races.

Amongst the catamarans, Simon Terry, sailing with young members Lucas Terry and Max Cholerton, in a Dart 16, came in ahead of John and Claire Wiseman in another Dart.

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Racing is on hold this coming weekend while the club takes part in the national RYA Push the Boat Out event. The club will be opening its doors to anyone interested in finding out about sailing and having a free go in a boat. Boats will be going out between 11am and 4pm, and for more details see www.hastingssc.org

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