Sprite Week 2014 at Blackwater Sailing Club

by Ian Barbrook 2 Jun 2014 21:29 NZST 26-30 May 2014

Sprite Week 2014 © Charlie Bourne

Sprite Week 2014 © Bob Parsons

The first day of racing was on Bank Holiday Monday, so with the Club fleet doing average lap circuits, the Sprite fleet had their own courses. The start was delayed due to lack of wind which meant that the second race was largely against the tide. Bevis Wright arrived from Cornwall late the night before, sorted out "Juno" but had to borrow the boat bits he had left behind and promptly won both races.

Tuesday was a wet & cold day with grey skies and NNW Force 4+ wind. The lead changed hands a few times between "Juno" & "Nida". John Terry came 5th crewed by his youngest son Josh but didn't stay to do the second race – a wise decision. Bevis Wright was the winner again both times.

The weather was still grey and damp on Wednesday but the wind was lighter. During the second race, the wind died while the fleet was trying to sail home along the Northey shore against the tide so positions were taken. Chris & Kathrine Nichols in "Nida" won both races and even rowed back to their mooring.

Thursday was a glorious sunny day and we had one long race, beating to Joyce's buoy at the end of Goldhanger Creek followed by a broad reach leaving Northey Island to starboard. Bryan Shedel in "Puck II" joined the fleet with Richard Pusey as crew.

We had a longer course for the first race on Friday, which saw the fleet beating down to West Point in a steady ENE 4+ under clear skies. The second race was a shorter course twice round with lots of gybe marks.

A total of 9 boats competed in the series of 9 races, with Bevis Wright crewed by his sister Tessa winning 6 races. "Banshee" sailed by Ian Barbrook and crewed by his daughter Ellie sailed consistently all week to gain 3rd place overall beating Steve Ash & Derek Cockerill in "Flook" by one point. Jason Clitheroe crewed by his wife Elise in "Aeolus" took part for this first time. The lady helms had some success - Lulla Waterfield crewed by husband Mark in "Mustard Seed" came 2nd in the first race on Wednesday. Sheena Berney crewed by Jayne Hare in "Pegasus" managed to cross the start line first 5 times but not be first across the finish line!