Covid-19 can't stop Bexhill sailors' big week of the calendar

From Monday to Thursday, before the weather interfered, seven very competitive races were completed.

Dinghies and catamarans of all shapes and sizes took to the water, the sailors energised by the tasty catering of Jo and Dini.

Generations of sailing families participated, as well as taking advantage of light-hearted competition by way of evenings of beach art and a walking treasure hunt.

With some races involving 32 boats, the race officers needed careful concentration to work out the different fleet winners.

In Seaweek, winners are awarded their confectionery prizes at the end of each day, noting that to encourage all, the commodore’s decision was always final – notwithstanding the actual result.

The cadets showed the success of Malcolm Brookes’ leadership and teaching .

Plans are afoot to put more of their parents on the water, so their children can show their skills at close quarters.

The sea was unpredictable at times, as it so often is, with some surprising shore breaks catching people out. This included a very inconsiderate wave pushing in the dinghy of the commodore and vice-commodore , sideways, and dumping them in the surf.

In comparison, the Topper of cadet Grace Howard calmly rode the waves to a perfect landing on the beach.

Ross Allen is gaining experience in his Laser but again the sea can show how it can bite back, resulting in a bent mast close to the beach.

Bob Keech demonstrated admirably how to combat that rising wave chasing the boat into the shore by leaning so far out of the back of his Laser that you have thought he could not walk, but lie horizontally on water. But the Laser stayed intact.

It was good to see the Assymetrics back in anger on the water.

Even so the very experienced Dusty Miller and Andy Pullen capsized, turning turtle, and had to use all their skills and bulk to right their boat and sail on.

Spinnaker problems bugged both Butch Roberts and Tim’s boat as well as Piers Shoesmith and Milly Cook’s , rendering both dinghies non-Assymetric unfortunately.

Fun was had by all, assisted by club members pitching in to ensure the ribs, winches, shore party and time-keeping were all manned – for which all those sailing were grateful .

The season now moves forward with regular weekend racing and the odd midweek race, tides and weather allowing.

Those looking for silverware will look to the class cups weekend next month.

The club welcomes new members so check the website or call in for a chat when the flags flying.

Send your sailing or other local sports news and pictures to [email protected] – especially if your club or sport is not getting in the paper