Despite the forecast for very strong winds and heavy rain, eleven boats lined up at the start line for this years Autumn Trophy at Clevedon Sailing Club on Sunday 16th September. Conditions proved to be challenging with a gusty southerly force 4 wind, but the rain held off to make for a great day of sailing.
Race Officer Cordelia Twigge set a large figure of eight course in the bay. Unusually the first two legs were off wind starting towards the pier but with a long beat from the first seamark to the Pumphouse mark off the lake. Two reaching legs followed back to the start of the next lap with some fast and furious planning once the wind had picked up for the final 2 races. The fleet consisted of five laser radials and six double handed dinghies including a rare appearance from messers Hotchkiss and Black in the 505.
A total of three races were run with close competition between between Martin Gibson in his Laser and the Tasar sailed by Anthony Rees with Kevin Watts, Rachel Elliot with Stuart Turner did well in the Club’s training Vision but unfortunately lost out on the planning legs. However at least they stayed upright leaving the safety boat free to attend various capsizes by other competitors.
At the end of the three races, and with handicaps taken into account, the results were -
1st Martin Gibson 2nd Anthony Rees and Kevin Watts 3rd Rachel Elliot and Stuart Turner
