Traveller, Herne Bay Sailing Club 19-20 June 2004

Herne Bay Sailing Club hosted a Cat Fest over the weekend of 19/20th June. Some 40 catamarans took part, comprising Sheerwaters, Catapults, Hobies, a couple of Dart 16s and 12 Dart 15s. Five were from the home club with the other 7 travelling from other Clubs. Six races were scheduled, three on Saturday and three on Sunday.  

Race 1 took place in a gently diminishing wind, the promised F3/F4 not materialising. First home was Bob Carter (Grafham Water) followed by Gordon Goldstone and George Stephen, both of Queen Mary S.C. Lunch was taken ashore and the fleet set out early in the afternoon, but the wind continued to drop until there was just sufficient for the fleet to get back ashore against the racing tide and racing was cancelled for the day.

Sunday dawned a little windier and it was hoped to sail two races in the morning and two in the afternoon to make up the programme. Race Officer, John Bennett, set an inverted 'P' course for the Dart 15s and race 2 saw the boats which opted for the inshore side of the course take the advantage. Gordon Goldstone led the proceedings from George Stephens, Martin Poole and Bob Carter. Poole was unlucky to get tangled up with a capsizing Hobie 16 and Goldstone went on to win from Carter and Stephen. A squall passed through between races, but promptly died away at the start of race 3 leaving a heavy swell and little wind. Stephen made the windward mark first in the slop from Carter and the two-up boat of Mark and Freya Sanders. Stephen hit the wing mark and had to do a turn handing the race to Carter but held on to second place from Goldstone and the Saunders pair.

After lunch, one further race was sailed in a freshening breeze. Carter led from the start but, second place was taken by newcomer to the Whitstable fleet, Andy Clarke, who beat oldtimers, Stephen and Goldstone. Colin Wood, also of Whitstable was fifth.

Arthur Blake.
Herne Bay Sailing Club.

For the full results, see the series results tables.