Bexhill 23rd - 24th June 2007

At Bexhill this year the basic story was one of huge waves, heroic beach parties and not many sailors!

Guy Revill gets some help off the beach at Bexhill

Day 1

On Saturday, the wind was force 5-6 which made for exciting beach launching! One by one we all ventured into the water with the help of the ‘Bexhill Trolley Dollies’, all quite unsure how to cope with the challenge ahead. Sadly, due to the conditions, only 5 boats made it to the start line out of 9 Europes entered in the event.

...while Natalie heads out to sea

The pace was heavy going with large waves, many breaking.  Guy Revill reached the windward mark first. Once sailing down wind Guy's lead  greatly increased as Gareth Williams and Richard Eagleton followed around the mark. With a trapezoid course the down wind legs were very fast, fun and, at times, scary.  On the second lap Guy increased his lead slightly up wind before capsizing twice down wind. This enabled Richard to close the gap but Guy managed to maintain his lead to win the race, followed by Richard then Katie Mapplebeck. Katie and Richard both sailed a very consistent race, being the only boats to stay upright throughout!

The wind had increased even more at the end of this race and racing was abandoned for the rest of the day.

Day 2

On Sunday the wind had dropped slightly to a force 4. However the sea conditions again made it challenging.

Gareth made a great start to day two winning the first race. His win was made a little easier by Guy, who once again was unable to keep his boat upright! Guy though made amends by winning the next three races with Gareth coming second in each. Natalie Campbell also had a good second day finishing third in the final three races to finish third overall.

The competitors who raced over the two days enjoyed fast, exciting sailing. The event was very well organised by Bexhill SC, particularly the large number of beach volunteers who helped get all the boats in and out safely in very challenging conditions.