Hastings & St Leonards Sailing Club musters largest fleet of the season

Nineteen boats sailed in a four race handicap, and other sailors and families, not racing but wanting to enjoy the occasion, also took to the water. In light winds that had almost died by the final race, it was Roy Sandford, the eldest sailor on the water, who won the day. Experience, technique and calm nerves saw out the younger bloods who would have liked stronger winds. Allowing for a one race discard, Sandford, sealed victory with a fourth and two firsts, three points clear of second placed Richard and Sue Morley in a Buzz, and Hugh Ashford in another Laser who was third. The day though was not just about racing. Rear Commodore Andrew Francis was the mastermind behind the club’s first social event since the lockdown in March. An impressive beach BBQ followed the racing along with a naming ceremony for a new power boat. The boat was named ‘Gordon’ after the the club’s longstanding coxswain, Dave Gordon, who maintains the boats. Dave joined the club in the early 1980s to learn to sail and has been a member ever since. in 2018, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, presented Dave with an RYA Volunteer Award for his unwavering contribution to the life of the club. When it came to choosing a name for the new boat, it could only be, “Gordon”. The club is also indebted to local firm Kileys Karpets who made a significant contribution to the cost of the new boat. With clear skies, warm airs, sailing, and celebrating, it was a day to remember at the Hastings & St Leonards Sailing Club. (www.hastingssc.org)