Another Double Win For Jono

Somewhat unsettled conditions greeted Gunfleet Sailing Club members on Sunday 17 September 2023 when taking part in the Chase Pursuit Race; adding to the numbers were visiting sailors from Clacton Sailing Club.

The staggered start, based on the craft’s handicap, and a set time finish of 12:30 for everyone meant that, in theory, the conclusion of the race would see all boats level pegging.  First away was the Laser 4.7 of Yvonne Gough and she was quick to beat up the coast, into a force four, gusting five, north-easterly wind, and the Kingscliff buoy.  Next away, just a few minutes later, were the Laser Radials with father and son, Andy and Jono Dunnett, battling it out to pull away from each other and, at the same time, catch Gough.  Paul Jackson and Lucy Powell then followed, in their GP14, with the Laser full rigs being the next class to get underway; Ken Potts sheeting in hard and really driving his boat.  There then followed a thirteen minute interlude before the Dart 16 catamarans sped off; a further thirteen minutes then elapsed when the Hurricane 5.9SX was unleashed and Larry Foxton and Mike Rolfe headed in pursuit of everyone else.  Unfortunately they mistakenly headed to the wrong buoy but, realising their error, tacked back to the Kingscliff mark and threw themselves back into the thick of things.  By now Jono had not only pulled away from his father, but had taken quite a commanding lead, Potts having moved up to second place and Andy briefly third; a sudden capsize allowing Gough to reclaim that position.  To potentially confuse everybody, the two Dart 16’s were helmed by Robert Mitchell, one with Brian Allen as crew, the other with Mark Venables; Mitchell and Allen quickly pulling away.  Less fortunate were Jackson and Powell who capsized their GP14 and found technical issues preventing them righting the stricken vessel; the Club’s Safety Boat assisting them and then towing the craft to the shore.  Next to capsize was Gough, down by the St. Michael’s buoy, but Clacton Sailing Club’s Safety Boat was soon on site and making sure that everything was alright.  As time ticked on so Jono just opened the gap and he was able to claim a comfortable victory.  

Results – The Chase:
1.    Laser – Jono Dunnett
2.    Laser – Ken Potts
3.    Dart 16 – Robert Mitchell and Brian Allen

In the afternoon the third race in the Autumn Series was held and, by sheer chance the top three places replicated those of the morning.

Results – Autumn Series - 3:
1.    Laser – Jono Dunnett
2.    Laser – Ken Potts
3.    Dart 16 – Robert Mitchell and Brian Allen