36 dinghies and 4 cruisers participated in the traditional Sailing Regatta held at LRSC over 3rd and 4th August at the start of the town’s Regatta and Carnival week. Visitors were welcomed from local clubs.
The light north-westerly winds on Saturday provided challenging conditions for competitors and race team with 30degree wind shifts and big variations in wind pressure.
Sunday’s conditions were much more enjoyable, a SW breeze which built from 5 knts to 12 knts through the day.
A four race series was completed, followed by the Championship of the Day on Sunday afternoon, all were mixed handicap classes.
Tim and Sarah Parsons, (LRSC) sailed consistently to win the series in their Merlin Rocket , closely followed by Graham and Will Cook, (LRSC) in their Fireball, with Merlin sailors Dave Lee and Angela Bridges (Starcross) in 3rd place.
The Cruiser class was won by Rob and Sharon Walker, (LRSC) in their Parker 25.
Race Officer Allan Tyler was unsure whether it was the competitive nature of the fleet, or the strong tide pushing them over the start line, that led to him having to deploy the black flag and disqualify some of the pre-race favourites.
Champagne sailing conditions, flat out trapezing for the Fireball saw the Cooks gain first place, followed by James Green , (Beer SC) in his ILCA 7 in second, and Andrew Woodbridge, (LRSC) in a borrowed ILCA 6 came in 3rd.
An excellent BBQ was served by Loraine Herring and team.
Regatta Chair, Ian Chivers, thanked the visitors, Lyme competitors and the race team. Allan Tyler and Graham Cook presented the awards, the Business Houses Cup to Tim and Sarah for the Regatta Series, and the coveted Regatta Wheel to Graham and Will for the Championship of the Day. Ed Stubbs was first Youth, and Niamh Chutter completed all races at her first Regatta.
Ian0 handed a contribution from the £5 entry fees to the Regatta and Carnival Chair Alan Vian who thanked the club.
Full results on LRSC website, with photos of the Regatta.
