Buzzing! Richard and Sue take Hastings sailing honours

Richard and Sue Morley in the their Buzz, centre, ease ahead on the downwind leg / Picture: Rick Pryce

Strong winds were forecast for Sunday’s sailing at the Hastings & St Leonards Sailing Club. But, come the start of the race, winds were comparatively benign, blowing only force two to three from the north west.

The forecast, though, of a much stronger blow, was enough to keep many at home, and in the end it was only six boats, a Buzz and five Lasers, that competed in the three race handicap.

Although winds were gernerally light, occasional strong gusts and sudden shifts, unseated a couple of sailors who were caught off their guard.

For the experienced, it was an opportunity on the beat to show their skill at spotting the shifts and maximising the advantage of tacking quickly or heading-up.

All three races, and with it the competition, were won by Richard and Sue Morley in their Buzz.

The boat’s stunning blue asymmetric sail was hoisted for the run, which they jibed down confidently, easing ahead of the Lasers that were taking a straighter line between the marks.

On the broad-reach that followed, the Buzz really came into its own, accelerating quickly with crew (Sue Morley) out on the wire and the bow of the boat clear of the water. There was no catching them.

Amongst the trailing Lasers, it was a race for second and third.

Positions changed throughout the racing but in the end Roy Sandford in a Laser Radial took second in all the races, giving him second overall.

Third place was a tussle between Eric Petersen and Andrew Francis, both also in Laser Radials.

Petersen came out on top after securing a place above Francis in the second race by overtaking him within two metres of the finish - gutting for Francis but a sharp move from Petersen.

This, and another race ahead of Francis, gave Petersen third overall.

See www.hastingssc.org for the latest.