4th GW Smith Trophy race, 27th July 2023

Published 01:00 on 31 Jul 2023

Report by John Adams

Nine boats contested the fourth race in the GW Smith Trophy series, four Merlins, a N18, two Lasers including Lyra Wade representing the junior section of the club, a Firefly and a Solo, so very similar to last week. The wind was nominally NNW but varied considerably in direction and strength around the course, particular at Canbury and Lensbury marks but on the whole was lighter than the previous week. Stewart Colley, OOD for the night, set a dogleg course to provide entertainment for the spectators in the clubhouse.

Andy and Tom Harris in their Merlin shot away from the start and were never headed. Behind them Matt P-J and Alastair Banks in the N18 rapidly carved through the rest of the fleet but were unable to close in on Andy and Tom. John Adams and Peter Impey had a great battle with David Baker and Barbara Adams in their Merlins, with David and Barbara choosing the right wind shifts on the beat to Canbury and eventually pulling ahead to finish 3rd ahead of John and Peter in fourth.

On handicap, Andy and Matt retained 1st and 2nd respectively, but 3rd was taken by Joe Mclaughlin in his Solo with David and Barbara pushed back to 4th in the Merlin.

Overall Matt P-J is in the lead and has sailed the four races required to qualify, with Charles Fox in 3rd in his N18, followed by David Baker and Chris Balmbro in their Merlins. However we still have another 5 races the series and anything can happen.

Thanks to Stewart Colley and Alexey Anatskiy in the box and to Neville Upton and Chris wade in the patrol boat. A good crowd enjoyed a Jean-Michel supper of Bevans sausages with mustard mash and onion gravy, buttered green beans and rocket salad, followed by Pear Belle Helene with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Cara and Perry looked after the kitchen and bar.

Last updated 11:46 on 27 May 2025