Blue sails dominate

Beccles saw another large fleet of 20 boats out on the water. The striking blue sails of Enterprises dominated the Waveney in the RNLI Pennant handicap campaigns with seven out in force in the first race.

The gusty conditions made the start line difficult at best and resulted in nearly a total recall when four crews were over the line, but OOD Richard Deller allowed the race to proceed, resulting in a eventful race.

With a collision between Coppi and Laura III and a capsize from Arapaho after a heavy gust, three Ents had to retire, leaving Nigel and Abbey Shipley in their Norfolk to win on handicap, narrowly beating Jake Shipley in his Laser who was the first to cross the line.

Nigel changed into a Laser for the second race and nearly had a double, but Stephen Payne and Kirsty Fletcher in their Enterprise Mutley II kept up the pressure and got past in the last round to win convincingly.

In the Poyser Cup, the boats faired better in their first race with just one retirement. Seven Toppers were among the fleet of BASC juniors, where a gripping tussle resulted in a win for Ollie Baylis who just kept a few seconds ahead of Milo Phillips in the shortened race.

Despite a knock-down, Bob Ashcroft worked hard to take third position.

In the second race, Milo had his revenge with a determined win of nearly a minute over Ollie in second place.

BASC reminds Journal readers of its annual Open Day on Sunday at 11am.

If you want to come and try your hand at sailing with Beccles club members, or you sail already and want to see what the club is all about, you will be made very welcome.

Results

RNLI Pennant (race 1): 1 N & A Shipley (Herewego), 2 J Shipley (Sonic Screwdiver), 3 D Gentry & J Soards (Chippas Delight).

RNLI Pennant (race 2): 1 S Payne & K Fletcher (Mutley II), 2 N Shipley (Laser), 3 R Kelsey & J Brackenbury (Evil Edna).

Poyser Cup (race 1): 1 O Baylis (Wonkey Donkey), 2 M Phillips (Windsinger), 3 B Ashcroft (Pirahna).

Poyser Cup (race 2): 1 M Phillips, 2 O Baylis, 3 B Ashcroft.