Newcomers claim honours

Chris Catt and Ali Martin win final RS200 SEAS event while Peters takes overall championship

The 2009 SEAS held its final event on Saturday 24 October at Burghfield S.C. Attended by 28 boats it was won by circuit newcomers Chris Catt and Ali Martin. Well over 100 different boats have competed in the series this year over seven different venues, surely making SEAS the leading regional circuit of any two person dinghy class. In general the series was blessed with good breeze with some interesting gusts, shallows, big waves and currents. The combination of pond, sea and estuary sailing meant each venue presented a different set of challenges to the competitors to keep their mental melting pots simmering.

The SEAS started early as usual with the first event held at Littleton SC in February. Attended by 30 boats the winners and early season pace setters were James Peters and Alan Roberts. Meetings at Bough Beech and Middle Nene in April and May were won by a different Peters combination, Andrew and Jill before James stepped back in to win the next meeting at Itchenor. With 2 wins each but yet to sail against each other which Peters would come out on top at the next meeting at Bexhill? Unfortunately we never got to find out as James concentrated on the main circuit and his other boats leaving Andrew and Jill to win at Bexhill and establish a lead in the series they were never to relinquish. The next meeting in July at Weirwood was won by ex-national champion and local hero Dave Giles who latched onto his own private gust in the last race to snatch the race and meeting win from the unlucky Nick Charles the defending SEAS champion. The Peters maintained their lead in the overall standings with a solid 4th.

Behind the Peters a battle royal was taking place for second and third, and of course the prestigious ‘old gits’ prize between Mike Chapman and Steve Restall, ably assisted by their crews Judy and Lynne. These two remained close right until the final meeting at Burghfield where Steve finished ahead of Mike to secure the Masters prize and second place. The Peters recorded another 4th in the final meeting to take the SEAS title for 2009. A committed performance over the season by Mike Warnicker saw him finish 4th in the series.

The SEAS will kick off again in spring 2010 with the promise of some new venues and further friendly competition for those who want to hone their racing skills at accessible local venues. All are welcome so grease up your road base over the winter and come and join in the premier regional circuit for double handers.

Overall Results
1. Andrew and Jeraldine Peters Queen Mary SC
2. Steve and Judy Restall Downs SC
3. Mike Chapman and Lynne Radcliffe/Jackie Whitney Bough Beech and Bexhill SC
4. Mike Warnicker and Katy Fitzsimmonds Bough Beech SC
5. James Boyce and Sam Tozer/Sarah Hornby Papercourt SC
6. Clive Eplett and Bryony Gregory Frensham Pond SC