8th Saga Trophy Race Midsummer arrives

Published 01:31 on 25 Jun 2023

Clouds seemed to be gathering for the start of the penultimate race in this years Saga Trophy series. The day had been hot and humid, it seemed as if some rain would be very welcome. The rain came in large drops before the start, and went away again.

The easterly wind was fickle, so OOD David PJ laid a short loop course in front of the club, marks rounded to starboard.

The race was on. Andrew Harris and Jonathan Key in Merlin Crescendo shot away from the start and were soon well in the lead. Henry Medcalf in his Laser followed with dad Tim and Kris Morcom in Merlin Crossbow in third. By now the fleet had started to spread out a lot. Crossbow pulled through to second. Henry's mainsail came adrift from the end of the boom, so he had to come ashore to fix it.

The other Lasers Jim Hamilton and Ros Warwick-Haller followed on, Ros nearly catching Jim on the last round.

Matt PJ and Alastair Banks in National 18 Optimus Prime sped off the start line the customary two minutes after the rest of the fleet and slowly slowly started to reel in Crescendo. The other two National 18s Antedote sailed by Chris Pollard and Caroline Stilwell and Charles Fox and Robert Blakebrough in Genevieve were close until Antedote pulled away in the third round.

The finish was very tight with a second between Crescendo and Optimus Prime final result after handicap yet to be calculated.

Thanks go to OOD David PJ, Beatrice Russ assisting and Patrol boat driver and assistant Clive Mence and Geoff Malseed.

We all repaired to the clubhouse for a drink and some enjoyed the very tasty meal prepared by Jean Michel. The atmosphere in the club house was relaxed, everyone happy to have summer at last. Thanks to Jean Michel, and David and Jack in the bar and kitchen.

Last updated 11:46 on 27 May 2025