Crewsaver 2000 Millennium Series at Snettisham Beach Sailing Club

Crewsaver 2000 Millennium Series at Snettisham Beach © James Macgregor

Crewsaver 2000 Millennium Series at Snettisham Beach © James Macgregor

A keen bunch of 24 boats from all over the country massed for the second in the series of the Crewsaver events. They were greeted with a pleasant 15 knots NE breeze for the first of three races on Saturday. After a clean start in the first race, the windward mark was rounded first by Graham and Kristina Sexton, closely followed by Jasper and Laura Barnham on their home water. On the downwind leg Jasper and Laura took the lead, which they held to the end of the race with Graham and Kristina coming in second.

Race two followed much to the pattern of race one, but with the breeze dropping to 10 knots and the tide going slack and changing towards the end.

Race three saw a very keen start, too keen for some. Round the windward mark first we saw the father and son team of Chris and Tom Hall who dropped to fourth at the finish with Dave Adams and Wendy Cox just in third being beaten to the line in first by Jasper and Laura. Third and fourth moved up a place when they discovered Graham and Kristina had posted an OCS – happens to all sometimes.

The day was videoed by Brett Cochrane, an R.Y.A Coach, who debriefed in the club over a beer before the evening meal. Everyone seemed to benefit from seeing the races from a different perspective, with some light-hearted banter.

A wonderful meal was had from the galley, followed by a dry boat race which involved pulling a wooden boat the length of the bar by winding string around a stick. After several heats the tension mounted for the grand final which was skilfully won by Paul Norris.

Day two saw a rare yellow sphere in the sky with a good (but not forecast) 12 knots NE wind, which slowly built to 16 knots during the three races.

Race four saw Jasper and Laura win but with Fergus Barnham and Genesta Gage taking second over Graham and Kristina.

With the growing wind it seemed Jasper and Laura lost a bit of pace in the last two races with Graham and Kristina taking line honours in race 5 with Fergus and Genesta second, Jasper and Laura only getting third.

The final race saw a battle from the start for second overall with the eventual race winners being Fergus and Genesta over Graham and Kristina. The home boat took second overall on countback by winning the last race.

A great weekend was had by all, with great hospitality from the club, free camping, great food and beer, off the water coaching and a race/rescue team, led by legendary Dart 18 sailor Bob Fletcher, that must rival the best in the country.

Thanks to Snettisham Beach Sailing Club and the sponsors Crewsaver and Noble Marine.

Overall Results: