Peters/Robert consistent

A report from the Itchenor Sailing Club RS200 Open Meeting

Fickle breezes, strong tides and black flags were the determining factors in Itchenor Sailing Club’s RS200 Open Meeting held on Sunday. Racing for the coveted Itchenor Burgee attracted 29 crews from 13 different clubs.

The four race series in Chichester Harbour was dominated by a strong spring ebb. The sea breeze which eventually overcame the Northerly pressure wind was at best fitful. Crews had to be on their mettle to keep on the right side of the start line, particularly once the race officer deployed the black flag.

Each race produced a different winner. David and Nicky Derby won the first race moving up from second place at the end of the first leg. It was the turn of Hector and Ben Cisneros to take the second race - the Reading team benefitting because the first two finishers fell foul of the black flag rule. Steve and Katie Restall from Downs SC recovered from a disappointing 14th place in the first race to take 4th place in the second and first in the third race. Finally it was the turn of James Peters and Alan Robert from Hayling Island to win the fourth race and with it the series.

Results:

1. James Peters/Alan Robert Hayling Island SC 6 points
2. Steve and Katie Restall Downs SC 13 points
3. Mike Chapman/Lynn Ratcliffe Bough Beach SC 14 points
4. Hector and Ben Cisneros Reading SC 15 points
5. David and Lynn Derby Bough Beach SC 16 points