Event 4
Venue: Hythe & Saltwood Sailing Club, Hythe, Kent
Date: 22 July 2007

All to “Sail” for

On Sunday 22nd July, the 4th Team 15 Windsurfing event was held at Hythe. With all teams currently on one win each from the three last previous meetings, it was all to play for, with the winner taking it all. The weather was warm, and the sea was unusually flat to start off with, with the sun shining on the racers and fortunately, a nice bit of wind to get the windsurfers moving.

For many of the competitors, this was their first time out on the sea, and for others, it was the first time they had ever raced, so even more so of a challenge for Aqua Sports and Bewl Blasters, who are used to the calm conditions of the lake.

Fredo & Harvey the final decider 3.5m

The 3.5m class got the races on the way, with an out to the buoy and back, which would test their upwind and down wind sailing abilities. Harvey Mason got off to a great start for Bewl Blasters in the first race, coming 1st, with Fredo Edwards, just behind him in 2nd place. It was clear from this race that these two would be in hot competition throughout the day. (Fredo & Harvey have been battling it out all season). In the second race, it was a reverse of results, with Fredo Edwards getting a very good start in the now choppier waters, and Harvey Mason coming in close 2nd. The Battle for 3rd place overall was also tough, with 3 racers all coming joint 3rd, one of whom was Christopher Labram, who had never raced before, and never sailed on the sea. Henry Bloodworth of Aquasports was also in the joint 3rd position, with his fourth place in both races, but Dani Conroy from Hythe, just pipped them both, as she had the strongest last race result, having all been on equal points. The first place was also tied on points, but Fredo Edwards got that all important first place in the last race, meaning he got 1st and Harvey Mason for Bewl got 2nd. Christopher earned a well deserved “Merit Award” as the newcomer!

Fredo & Harvey have had joint points at Aqua Sports & Hythe. Although Fredo took the trophy, Harvey can be happy that on points for the season he is the winner for Bewl Blasters – we all look forward with anticipation to them moving on to the 4.5m class next season.

Alex you win again !

The 4.5m class was also very close, with only one point separating 1st and 3rd place. Their course was triangular, putting their racing skills to the test. Jamie Farnes of Hythe got 1st in the first race with an excellent start, and Arthur Plant of Aquasports got 2nd, putting Alex Barry in 3rd place for the first race. However, as the wind picked up, a massive turn around of results occured, with Alex Barry coming first managing not to let the chop get the better of him. Cameron Moffat of Bewl got 2nd, with Arthur Plant this time coming 3rd. This outstanding race from Alex meant that he took 1st place overall , with James Farnes coming 2nd, giving Hythe the 1st and 2nd place, and Arthur Plant of Aquasports came 3rd. Alex Barry (Hythe Hotshots) is also the clear winner for the 4.5m class for 2007 so congratulations!

5.5m finals for Tom, Glenn and Scott

The 5.5m, 6.8m and 6.8m Technos all did the same 4 point course, which tested their upwind sailing, downwind sailing, runs, tacks and gybes, putting all their racing abilities to the test. The 5.5m class had 4 racers, all battling it out for the T15 trophies. Thomas Addison for Hythe, got off to a great start with a 1st place. This continued through all his races, with three straight wins, meaning he won the 5.5m class for the third time this season. Jessica Plant came 2nd in the first race for Aquasports, and then continued her good form through to the next race where she came 3rd. Glenn Sullivan for Bewl got himself 3rd place in the first race, but picked up the pace as the wind picked up and managed to get two 2nd places, as well as a fantastic Gecko Flaka at the end, giving him 2nd overall for Bewl, and Jessica getting 3rd for Aquasports.

Tom, Glenn & Scott have battled it out all season for 1st place in the 5.5m class. Tom was the eventual winner so congratulations to him for his brilliant season for Hythe Hotshots and good luck at Rutland!

Stuart Hard Hythe Hotshots hot favourite !

The 6.8m class had 3 racers, but unfortunately it wasn’t as close, as Stuart Hards of Hythe won every one of his races, and was the only one to complete all three. Alex Payne of Bewl did very well in the 6.8m, considering he is more accustomed to the 5.5m class. He did fantastically well, getting two 2nd places and 2nd overall.

The experts master the waves in 6.8m Techno Class.

Finally the 6.8m, Techno’s, the experts of T15. In this race there were 3 competitors, all from different teams. In the Red corner for Hythe was Sam Conroy, in the yellow corner for Bewl Blasters was Rupert Munro-Faure, and in the Blue corner for Aquasports was Conor Wells. Sam Conroy got off to a flying start on his home territory leading the whole pack of 5.5’s, 6.8’s and 6.8 technos wining the first race. Rupert Munro-Faure of Bewl took 2nd place, with Conor Wells of Aquasports coming 3rd.

In the next race, it was even tighter, with Sam leading until the very end where, Rupert, tight on his tail, did a fast rig flip, to take him into the wind and causing a wind shadow for Sam. He then finished planing over the line, much to the joy of the Bewl supporters. In the final race, the decider of this class, the hard fought battle was just won by Sam Conroy with some excellent fast and furious sailing, meaning that he won the class. Rupert came 2nd whilst Connor finished 3rd.

Hythe Hotshots take the “S.E. T15 TROPHY” 2007!

So, the moment of truth, the result everyone had been waiting and working for over the duration of the season was about to be announced.. In 3rd place, and therefore 3rd over the season were Aquasports with 27 points, in 2nd with 16 points were Bewl, meaning the winners of the T15 South-East championships 2007 were Hythe with 7 points! Congratulations to Hythe who will be competing in the T15 Nationals.

Team and SE Zone Winners - Hythe Hotshots 

Photos courtesy of Ian Kraft

Report written by Scott Mason

We are the Champions!
West Kirby Warriors
T15 Champions 2008

Congratulations!

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