Top 14 turnout

Charlie Duchesne reports from the Walker Trophy at Itchenor Sailing Club

Itchenor SC hosted an excellent weekend of short course racing for International 14s over the weekend of 8-9 November. With an excellent turnout of 26 boats, six races where held in conditions that ranged from fresh and frightening to slow and sedate.

Saturday proved to be challenging for many boats with gusts up to around 20 knots on a very tight course in the vicinity of East Head, Chichester Harbour. Roddy Bridge and Douglas Pattison from Itchenor SC took line honours in the first race as the fleet settled in and enjoyed some exciting conditions. Andy Partington and Ben Vernieres from Hayling Island dominated the next two races after a number of other competitors fell by the wayside as the wind freshened.

Sunday proved to be a more sedate affair with lighter winds and mastering the strong tidal flows being the key requirement for success. Archie Massey and George Nurton finished the day with 2 wins and one second. They were pipped to the post in the second race by George’s sister Katie Nurton, however their results were enough to take overall honours at the event from Partington/Vernieres.

The 14 class enjoys this type of short course racing and the Walker Cup proved an excellent end of season outing for all.

Top five:

Pos	Sail no	Helm		Crew
1	1476	Archie Massey	ISC	George Nurton	ISC
2	1481	Andy Partington	HISC	Le Poisson	HISC
3	1484	James Fawcett	HISC	Dave D	HISC
4	1479	Andrew Penman	ISC	Tim Bastow	ISC
5	1483	Victor Brellisford	ISC	Damian Ash	ISC