Deterred by the strong winds only 7 boats launched for this year’s Autumn Trophy open meeting. However the forecasted gale never appeared and those that did take part had exciting sailing with a course set with 2 good reaching legs. Robin Goff sailing his D Zero for the first time took the lead from the start of the first race but was overtaken by the Tasar of Martin Gibson and Tony Cherry when he got into ‘irons’ at the sea mark. Gibson and Cherry held the lead until the end of the race.
Race 2 saw several boats finding the high winds and big waves not to their liking and going ashore. Gibson and Cherry again led to the finish but the D Zero proved to as fast off wind and was never far behind. The Visions of Trevor Baker crewed by Mike Mclaughlin and Benedict Wybrow crewed by another novice didn’t find conditions too difficult with their heavy hulls and Ben Mclaughlin showed great determination sailing one of the club’s Toppers.
By race 3 the wind had increased slightly and everyone was tired so OOD Anthony Rees decided to limit it to1 lap. After taking the lead from the start Gibson and Cherry capsized at the first mark leaving Goff little competition for the rest of the race.
1st R Goff (D Zero)
2nd M Gibson and A Cherry (Tasar)
3rd B Mclaughlin (Topper)