Bexhill Europe Open - 11th July

With three of the home fleet out of action for various reasons and only two very welcome visitors, it was a small but select band at Bexhill's first Europe event. Maybe the weather forecast put off visitors from Weston? - on the day there was sun, rain, cloud, force two and force four, with lumpy waves, much of it all at once. Some of the forecasters got it right for some of the time!

Race one saw Caroline Bowen, Robert Laurie and Richard Eagleton head the fleet, but whilst nearing the windward mark Caroline's halyard failed and her sail fell down. With Robert struggling with the set up of his new rig, a long battle enused with Richard who took the opening race.

As Robert went off to fiddle with his settings, Caroline rejoined the fray and with her sail at the top of the mast she just had the edge over Richard and Robert, who got held up a bit by some stray Lasers. Caroline held off the attention from the guys to win with Richard second and Robert third. A late decision to shorten course meant we had lunch in the dry ashore whilst a fierce rainstorm engulfed the what had been a sunny south kent coastline.

Robert went out early in the afternoon and practised some more. The wind blew harder and he disappeared into the distance to win. Caroline didn't quite get away with an early start and had to go back, Richard swam while second, then Tobyn Dennis swam while second, leaving Caroline on hand to finish second.

The fourth and final race blew again, everyone worked hard, but Caroline's gym sessions paid off, leaving her a worthy winner.

The Bexhill fleet enjoyed it but still have a lot to learn. More training required!

Richard Eagleton.