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The event started off on the Saturday with Dusty Miller, our National Champion, spending the afternoon giving on the water training for those who wished to brush up on their starting, tacking and gybing skills. This proved to be very popular, with nearly all the competitors getting out on the water and getting involved. Dusty backed this up by taking photo’s and some video footage which should appear on the Kestrel website soon. The Saturday night festivities were enhanced by a fancy dress back to school meal and disco which the club organised and was enthusiastically supported by the Kestrel sailors. Needless to say there was one or two sore heads in the morning.
Race 1
Dusty Miller with John Ellingham created the perfect start and by keeping well in shore to cheat the tide they short tacked their way past the sailing club and up towards Maldon to the first mark. Paul Jarvey with Haydn Edwins followed Dusty with Steve and Lin Worf in close attendance. Dave Hearsum with his son Ian made a poor start but once around the windward mark managed to haul in Steve and move into third place. Graham Richmond with Duncan Wilson moved up through the field to gain fourth place at the finish.
Race 2
Short tacking up the shore line against the tide made the first beat very challenging with five boats fighting hard for the lead. Again it was Dusty/John who led at that first mark with Paul/Haydn breathing down their necks. Dave and Ian were next with Steve/Lin almost along side. Right behind these pair were the two Kevs; Edwins and Jones, who obviously had benefited from the previous days coaching. On the first three sail reach Paul/Haydn had a big broach and let Dave/Ian through into second. Dusty/John chased by Dave/Ian then decided to go the wrong way (followed by Paul/Haydn until realising the error) and Graham Richmond with Duncan Wilson, sailing the correct course went into the lead. They would have carried on to win had it not been Graham's desire to inspect the bottom of his boat, which let Paul/Haydn into the lead with Steve/Lin second. Jeremy and Jane Drummond worked there way through to a well deserved third place.
Race 3
For the first time in the history of the Kestrels attending the Marconi Regatta the third race was set completely around Osea Island. This proved very popular with all the fleet and for many a new experience. Dusty/John again pulled away into a comfortable lead. Dave/Ian finished second with Paul/Haydn in third. Graham/Duncan fought Paul/Haydn hard and managed to overhaul them towards the end but could not hold them at bay and finished a good fourth.
Race 4
The last race saw the wind swing round so that the first beat turned almost into fetch. Dusty/John again cruised away into a comfortable with Paul/Haydn following. Henry and Chris Richards making a good start were able to hold off Dave/Ian all through the race to take third place.
Dave Hearsum.
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