A last minute decision to run our annual Barts Bash event with neighbours Lancing Sailing Club saw 44 boats on the start line in a beautiful warm force three, sunshine and some cheeky waves to surf down.
We meet half way between the two clubs off Shoreham Beach, with each club bringing a safety boat, a fleet of dinghies and some healthy local rivalry. It was the turn of Shoreham to bring a committee boat and run racing, which was to be two races back-to-back, and the winner of this no-discard series was to be crowned Battle of the Beaches champion – normally run over three weekends throughout the season.
The results show that both clubs have different strengths with Shoreham SC Merlin Rockets dominating the podium and the double-handers. Alex Warren and Jonty Freeman took the overall title in Battle of the Beaches, on equal points, but winning by last race sailed from William Warren and Megan Pascoe who won Barts Bash. Alan Warren crewed by grandson Will Carroll took the third spot making it a Warren family lockout. The single handers were dominated by Lancing SC with Craig Palmer in his Laser finishing 5th, from Jim Carter in a Laser Radial and Tom Grady in a Laser. The first Lancing boat in Battle of the Beaches was Commodore Sean Dwyer, who finished 4th sailing with wife Carolyn in their RS Vision.
As race officer I had absolutely no idea what happened on the race course it was just a constant stream of boat type, numbers and times, then you have to start hooting the hooter as well, but not at the same time as you’re reading out a boat type, number or time. Its a tricky business which should never be underestimated – I know I did before doing it myself! Thanks to all those on the safety boats from both clubs – Giles and Chandler Dawborn from Lancing, John and Caz Mills from Shoreham, and my able, efficient and very tolerant Assistance Race Officer Mark Sandel.
See the full results.
