Clarke Claims Victory In First Race Of The Season

Gunfleet Sailing Club kicked-off its 2023 sailing season last Sunday 9 April, delayed two weeks due to bad weather, with the race for the March Hare Trophy.  

Sunshine, blue skies, and a light easterly breeze greeted the competitors as they rigged their boats on the beach, but the wind was to veer south-east moments before the start.  On a tightly bunched line it was Simon Clarke that was first away in his Solo, followed very closely by Ken Potts in his Laser, and then the Solo of Chris Maloney, Brian Allen in his Laser, and Eddie White in his Comet.  It made an impressive sight as the fleet fought the ebbing tide on its way to the Preston Park buoy.  As the dinghies reached the mark it was the two Solos, of Clarke and Maloney, that rounded first but unfortunately Clark started to take the wrong course, the tide only helping him on his way.  Meanwhile Potts, being third, hardened-up and headed straight out to the Seaward buoy, followed by Robert Mitchell in his Laser, Dave Ingle in his RS Aero , Yvonne Gough in her Laser, and then Derroll Pedder in his Solo.  Still making her way to the first mark was Club Otter, Belle Hart, racing her Topper for the very first time and loving every minute of it.  It was also good to see Ian Barker and Vince Crabtree in their GP14, and Paul Jackson and Paul Stanton also in a GP14; both boats on their maiden voyage.  Meanwhile Clark realised the error of his ways and quickly made some tactical decisions that not only put him back in the race, but got him round Seaward first.  From there it was a broad reach to the Lilley Farm buoy, a gybe and back to fighting the tide as the helms headed to the AWS mark.  By now Mitchell had overtaken Maloney but neither he nor Potts could touch Clarke who seemed unstoppable.  The penultimate leg of the course took the dinghies to the Eastcliff buoy before, once again, fighting the tide back to the line.  At the end of the first lap it was Clarke leading, Potts second, and Maloney third, but on the second lap Mitchell managed to move up a place and claim third on handicap.

Results:  March Hare Trophy
1.    Solo – Simon Clarke
2.    Laser – Ken Potts
3.    Laser – Robert Mitchell