Avoiding exams

HISC saw a fine turn out for the third round of the 29er Harken Grand Prix and 49er Open meet

This weekend saw a good turnout at Hayling Island Sailing Club for the third Round of the 29er Harken Grand Prix and 49er Open Meeting. In spite of GSCEs and A Levels over 30 boats competed in this event, which also counts towards the Harken Grand Prix series. Early forecast indicated a good breeze on Saturday and 3-4 knots on Sunday.

Day 1 - As forecasted, Saturday proved to be a steady 15 knots from the south. Conditions outside the harbour were challenging with heavy chop making it difficult for all competitors. Although with the sun shinning and a warm wind, racing was bound to be good. On the 29er course however, at the start of race 1 the strong tide pushed many boats over the line and a general recall was needed. Tom Durham and George Hand finished the race in 1st place, with Henry Lloyd Williams and Sam Batten 2nd, Alex Mothersele and Hamish Ellis 3rd. Race 2 and 3 saw the first two competitors switching place, which resulted in Henry Lloyd Williams and Sam Batten leading at the end of day one.

The 49er fleet had some tight racing, James Peters and Dicken Mclean looked to dominate the day but trying to finish a lap early and breaking a cap shroud put pay to 2 race wins leaving them with just to single first. Fynn Sterritt and Seb Ripard took the initiative and put in two 1st.

Day 2 - Sunday saw an improvement in the earlier forecast, with 14knots blowing from the southeast, dropping to 8-10 knots. In the 29er fleet once again Tom Durham and George Hand sailed consistently, achieving a 1st in race 1 and race 3. Alex Mothersele and Hamish Ellis took 1st place during race 2, followed by Henry Lloyd Williams and Sam Batten. In the final race Adam Kitchen and Jeremy Williamson stormed through to take 2nd place.

The 49er fleet was topped up on Sunday by Richard Mason and Tom Peel who won all three races of the day. James Peters and Dicken Mclean now with their wires sorted and Sis read put i three 2nd places which was enough to give them the overall win.

Once again Harken provided a great spread of prizes for the 29ers:

29ers
1st Tom Durham and George Hand
2nd Henry Lloyd Williams and Sam Batten
3rd Alex Mothersele and Hamish Ellis
1st girls Philippa Gray and Joanne Lucas
1st mixed crew Adam Larvin and Siobhan Escritt

49ers
1st James Peters & Dicken Mclean
2nd Fynn Sterritt & Seb Ripard
3rd Richard Mason & Tom Peel