Sunshine, Shifts and Seals: A Perfect Day for Racing

Published 09:51 on 20 Apr 2026

Sunday's racing saw a fleet of 13 boats take to the water for Races 5 and 6 of the Spring Series, sailed in a light north-easterly breeze that gradually shifted towards a southerly sea breeze. Race Officer Mike Rother set a triangular course just off Hawkers Buoy, providing a tactical challenge as the wind conditions evolved throughout the afternoon.

In Race 5 for the fast fleet, the lead changed hands several times over the full five laps. Andy Hurst and Sue Leach, sailing their Tasar, eventually emerged victorious on the water, narrowly ahead of Alastair Craig in a Laser, with Tim Reed and Claire Lee in the 2000 taking third. After handicap calculations, Sue Handasyde Dick, sailing a Laser 4.7, took the win, just edging out Alastair, with Tim and Claire close behind - only 20 seconds separating all three boats.

Race 6 saw Andy Hind take line honours in his Laser, followed by Ian Bye in second, also in a Laser, and Andy Hurst and Sue Leach in third with their Tasar. However, after handicap, it was John Phelps in a Laser Radial who claimed victory, finishing just ahead of Andy Hind and Ian Bye.

In the slow fleet, Race 5 was won by Kevin Dry, with Nick Langford in second and Jeremy and Mel Seacombe in third. A special mention goes to Jordan Rother in a Zest, who, despite a late start, sailed an excellent race to finish second on the water, just behind Kevin.

Race 6 for the slow fleet saw a reversal of the top three positions, with Jeremy and Melanie taking the win, followed by Nick and Kevin.

Both Race 6's were shortened due to the combined effects of wind and tide, ensuring the fleet returned ashore in good time to enjoy Jayne Rother's excellent pop-up lunch, which rounded off a great day of racing.

Thank you to Mark Jardine for the fabulous photographs.