GW Smith Trophy 7 update

As for last week, the weather was good to the Thursday sailors with the day’s rain clearing to leave a beautiful sunny evening with a west southwesterly wind that was good in parts but a bit tricky around the upstream mark.

A good turnout of thirteen boats took to the river to do battle, and it was nice to see that this included three Toppers helmed by Maddie Harris, Matthew Ramage and Henry Medcalf.

Barry Mourant and Carolyne Vines in the Merlin Fair Kop had a good start, rounded the first mark in the lead and sailed away into the sunset.  Ken Duffell and Matthew Valentine threatened to catch them at one point but had to settle for second on the water and second on handicap behind Barry and Carolyne.  Behind them, Tim and Ed Medcalf kept their concentration and were one of the few boats not to be lapped by Barry and were rewarded with a third on handicap, followed by the current series leader, Charles Fox and Robert Blakebrough in the National 18 Genevieve.

Positions at the top of the series leader board are the same as last week, with Charles leading Ken by 2 points, but the result is not yet settled, and with two races still to go, more people who could qualify.  Hence there is plenty to sail for and and to watch.

With a good fleet on the water and a number of spectators, there was a high turnout for the tasty supper prepared by Lesley Adams.

See you next week for the penultimate race in the series and another good meal.

John Adams