PREP SCHOOL REGATTA AT SOUTHPORT

It was down to the wire – race four of the Gold fleet about to launch – points between the top three teams were very close – and with the 4th race, their worst score of the four could be discarded.  

You could see the cogs whirring as the young sailors tried to calculate what their scores had to be to ensure winning.  The rain had started and the wind was up so good sailing was afoot.  

Sedbergh Junior School, Windermere and Rydal Penrhos were vying for the trophy.  As the three minutes counted down to the start increasingly vociferous calls of “Starboard” were heard as the boats jockeyed for the best position on the start line.  

They’re off…. two boats over the line had to return and almost immediately Louie Gunning for Sedbergh picked up a starboard penalty.  The first short windward leg saw the leading sailors establish their positions but there were 2 laps to go….

As the boats crossed the finish line, anxious faces could be seen counting off finishing places. The finishing team were struggling in the wet to even write down finishing places as they judged some very close finishes.

But they coped and then retreated indoors out of the rain to do the final calculations only to be interrupted by a potential protest request…. Was it worth the risk of disqualification if their protest was judged against them?  

No… they decided not to. In the final analysis Sedbergh Prep School came first by four points, ahead of Windermere who, in turn, were only one point ahead of Rydal Penrhos. 

Meanwhile in the Silver fleet, just as good a competition was being had with a closely fought tussle between Aysgarth, Rydal and  St Anselms (combination team with CSPS sailors).  

Aysgarth were just beaten into runners up place by Rydal but Tom Penty, who joins School House in September, will be an asset to Sedbergh Sailing
What a great day – good sailing in good humour
Well done to all.

MPR

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