The weekend of 10th and 11th October saw the eagerly anticipated and hotly contested end of season championships for Micro 18 and Gem yachts on the river Stour, sailed from Manningtree.
With a crew of two, these 18ft lifting-keel boats meet the Micro cup rule, one size down from Mini Cuppers. They were designed by Stephen Jones and Rob Humphreys respectively. They race level with some personalisation for those with added roach sail area and keel modifications.
9 entrants in total sailed over the weekend in varying conditions - a gusty 20+ mph westerly on Saturday producing some dramatic downwind sailing and a more gentle 10mph WSW through to NSW on Sunday requiring different skills. Temperatures were below what we have been used to recently, but the multi-race format kept everyone warm (unless you capsized!).
With different scoring and discards across both the passage races out to and back from the race area and the windward/leeward series, the close racing provided for different winners.
The club and fleet once again appreciate East Anglian Sailing School's support with their sponsorship providing a selection of goodies, supplemented by SSC bottles and silverware, allowing every competitor and race support person taking away a 'prize' at the end of the day.
Micro/Gem Championship: (from 5 windward/leeward races)
1st Pathogem (Gem) Rheanna Pavey and Ed Roberts
2nd Italia (Gem) Ed and Nick Evans
3rd Muscle (Micro 18) Ian and Holly Pavey
Gem Championship: (From 4 passage races and windward/leewards)
1st Italia (Gem) Ed and Nick Evans
2nd Pathogem (Gem) Rheanna Pavey and Ed Roberts
3rd Gazelle (Gem) Andrew Thwaites and Alex Youngs
Passage Race Series Winners:
1st Gazelle (Gem) Andrew Thwaites and Alex Youngs
Stour Sailing Club extends a warm welcome (and free launching and moorings) for visiting Gem, Micro 18, or derivatives to join us in club racing in 2027 and especially the end of season championships in September/October (contact details via the website).
www.stoursailingclub.co.uk
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