KSSA - Youth Sailing in Kent - Opening Splash at Wilsonian Sailing Club

KSSA Opening Splash regatta at Wilsonian SC © Les Tindall

KSSA Opening Splash regatta at Wilsonian SC © Les Tindall

KSSA Opening Splash regatta at Wilsonian SC © Les Tindall

It was a rather chilly day, courtesy of a northerly wind, for the first regatta of the KSSA 2016 calendar. Twenty-five youngsters from across Kent took part in a multitude of dinghies. Experience ranged from those at their first event to sailors with many seasons' experience at national level and beyond. As well as a dispensation to permit on-water coaching by the patrol boats, at KSSA events the more experienced sailors are encouraged to offer tips to the newer sailors to help them improve their racing skills and this sharing of knowledge was notable throughout the day.

With the morning racing taking place shortly after low water, the sailing area was somewhat restricted. Race Officer, Dave Ellis, set a triangular course and quickly got the action underway. The Lasers completed six laps with Pierce Seward, Peter Freeland and Richard Tutt vying for the top places throughout. However, the well-sailed Topper of Morgan Archer came through to claim victory on corrected time.

There was a short interlude before the start of the second race whilst the large commercial vessel, Arco Beck, navigated Gillingham Reach, bound for Chatham. As soon as the river was clear again, the next race was started. This time the tussle was between Peter Freeland and Richard Tutt with the former just doing enough on handicap to take the race.

Lunch followed, after which the tide had risen sufficiently to enable racing in Hoo Bay and a new trapezoid course was set. In the meantime the wind had dropped a little. Peter Freeland dominated the race, managing to keep rival Morgan Archer at bay by just nine seconds.

With the wind continuing to drop, the final race commenced. This time it was Pierce Seward who led the Lasers with Chipstead SC's Catherine Wynn putting in her best result of the day.

Overall winner of the Opening Splash was Peter Freeland of Downs SC. Prizes went to the first six sailors and the Endeavour Prize was awarded to Iggy McNally from Whitstable YC sailing his RS Tera Sport.

The Race Officer was pleased to report that he had not had to recall a single sailor in any of the four starts and that running the racing had been a "delight" despite the inconvenient wind direction.

At the prize-giving, KSSA Commodore, Deb Thomas, thanked hosts Wilsonian Sailing Club for their hospitality along with the many volunteers who contributed to a most enjoyable event.

Overall Results: