Sussex Police Regatta
Wednesday, 11th August, 2010
Venue: Bexhill Sailing Club,
Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex

 
The annual Sussex Police Open attracted 10 boats with 6 helms representing the host Force and 4 visitors from other Forces. This year the weather was set fair for a good day's sailing with the wind gradually increasing throughout the day.

As helms set off from the shore for Race One, wind speed was a steady 6mph. After a slight delay whilst the course was finally sorted, the fleet got away on the usual 'running start' which, nevertheless made for a good amount of tacking being required before reaching the first mark. The wind was fairly light for a good part of the race, but doubled in strength during the hour long race and this altered race positions among the middle fleet boats. The faster rated boats stretched ahead with Rob Jones well ahead in his Blaze followed by Dusty Miller in his RS400 with Ken Daniels (Phantom) and Mike Scrivener (Contender) in pursuit. Behind, Dick Sivers in the leading Laser was being caught up with by Nick Mason and Bob Trevis just behind and waiting to pounce. After a tussle for position by the final buoy Sivers rounded staying just ahead of Mason but failed to head for the finish line at the proper angle and both were given the same time for finishing. It had been a long race but Jones prevailed on corrected time with Daniels second and Sivers and Mason sharing third place.

After lunch, Race Two. The sky had turned ominous and rain threatened. By now the wind had increased towards 20mph and it became difficult to hear the shore-based warning signals; good eyesight being required to catch the lighting sequence for the count down. Nevertheless, the fleet got away in a somewhat ragged start with the sea turning decidedly lumpy. The Blaze was at home in the conditions as was Mason vying for position alongside the RS400. Pete Goodman in the Sussex Albacore, after failing in the first race, was now well in contention whereas the Phantom was struggling after a poor start. With the wind having veered some 20-30 degrees, the sailing angles became more difficult to negotiate as the wave height increased. Despite one long leg being virtually a dead run, there were few capsizes and all but two boats finished the race. Conditions had been tougher but not drastic; merely challenging. On corrected time it was another win for Jones, with Mason second and Goodman third.

Race Three was held back-to-back. The wind remained virtually the same in direction and strength with a bright sky replacing grey clouds. The day was producing the best sailing conditions for the Sussex Open for many a year. However, some boats had sustained previous damage and just 6 boats were on the start line with club boats also on the water for a separate start. Judging the position of the start line using the shore-based transit line and an outer limit buoy was evidently beyond two of our starters who sailed the race only to come ashore to be informed that they had been OCS. Dusty succumbed to gear failure which left just three finishers. On corrected time Mason won by almost a minute from Goodman, he having a successful afternoon on home ground with a dogged Phil Mears, intent on getting a good finish, completing the course safely to record a third place.

It had been a good day's sailing; the best for a long time. The Chairperson of SPDSC, Bob Trevis gave an excellent and appreciative speech in thanks to Bexhill Sailing Club, who take this event on board during their Sea Week, before presenting the prizes.

Winner Rob Jones (Hampshire) with Bob Trevis

Pictures with grateful thanks to Nick Stephenson (Bexhill S.C.)

Event Contact:
  Phil Mears Tel: 0845-607099

or the Sussex Secretary,
Bob Trevis, Steyning P/Stn.
Email: robert.trevis@sussex.pnn.police.uk

Sussex Police Dinghy Sailing Club have their own website and this can be viewed at:
http://spdsc.weebly.com/