Chelmarsh Sailing Club Portside Pursuits
by David Partridge 31 Dec 2019 02:29 NZDT
22 & 29 December 2019
Chelmarsh Sailing Club has a long tradition of hosting Portside Pursuit racing over the Christmas break.
2019 saw several brand new boats and some stunning weather. Winners of the first Pursuit Cathy and John Toone (GP) struggled to maintain their lead on day 2 and were beaten by Cameron Smith with his new Aero 7 on its first outing claiming the days Port.
Race Officers Dave Thursfield on 22nd December and Gordon Bisset on 29th December set two 58 minute Pursuits. Tim as ever cooked a healthy lunch, and the club had mince pies and mulled wine to round off a great years sailing. Racing on 26th December was abandoned due to low wind conditions but SUPs ventured out.
Chelmarsh is a healthy club and hosts a vibrant racing programme, but also a growing social and cruising section as well as SUPs.
Five brand new Aeros have lined up for racing this year bringing the fleet forward with two world class ranking sailors (Cameron Smith and Matt Thursfield) happy to coach and instruct. The Solo fleet was also well represented over Christmas with Jonathan Carter claiming a third place and great fleet discussion over the best way up the beats.
Each day over the Christmas break saw some water activity with the SUP fleet enjoying the calmer days and training for upcoming international competitions.
Next up is social sailing every Tuesday and some Wednesdays and Thursdays. The Frostbite Series starts on Sunday 5th January 2020.