Sailing championships come to a close in Lyme Regis

A week of mixed weather provided a variety of conditions at sea. One day was lost to a strong south easterly combined with spring tides, and on the final day the sea breeze failed to build. Sailors had to contend with shifts, significant tidal flows and both light airs and strong winds, big waves, swells and choppy cross currents. Close contenders swapped places each day, and a winner’s shirt was worn by each of the three fleet leaders. An international jury of five monitored observance of the Racing Rules of Sailing on the water and dealt with enquiries and protests ashore. A team of 45 club volunteers and guests took charge of race management on the water, under the leadership of race officers Paul Withers and Peter Baldwin, with 13 crewed course and safety boats. The shore team, part of the race committee, organised berthing, launching and retrieval of the fleets swished by harbourmaster Grahame Forshaw and staff, without whose help an event of this size could not have been brought to Lyme. Daily racing was followed by refreshments, locally sourced food; the hog roast and formal dinner proving particularly popular. Bar managers Trish Williams and Sharyn Walker were kept busy and Dan Alsop’s social, programme kept everyone amused. The main sponsors were Gul sailing clothing, Allen dinghy fittings and Otter Brewery, with CoastWaterSports and Mark Hix. An address by chairman David Beer followed presentation of prizes by Commodore Jerry Rook. The competitors appreciated their welcome, the town sailing waters here. Mr Rook has already received personal thanks and congratulated all volunteers for their input demonstrating pride in their club. He also thanked the harbourmaster and staff who put in many hours of preparation, training, clearing up and supported with planning. The club thanks all harbour users and visitors who may have been inconvenienced by heavy use of the slipway and pontoons at certain times during the week. OVERALL RESULTS: 1st, Matt Burge and Dan Schie- ner, Poole YC, 29pts; 2nd, Christian Birrell and Vyv Townend, Bough Beech, 35 pts; 3rd, Ian Dobson and Richard Wagstaff, Burwain SC, 39 pts.