A mixed fleet looked forward to an exciting 23 miles of racing in a promised force 3 to 4 westerly wind. In reality, as start time drew near, the glorious sunshine enjoyed by the holidaymakers on the beach caused the race to turn into a nightmare. An easterly sea breeze tried to form and failed against the prevailing wind, leaving - nothing!
The slow handicap fleet started with the Finn of Mike Woodhead taking a commanding lead, until the Dart 15 of Tony Bell passed just after the Hornsea turning mark. Tony was to hold this lead to the end and thus win the slow handicap class. Mike Woodhead was becalmed within sight of the finishing line, enabling the Swordfish of Bill Gardner and Enterprise of Charlie Cartwright to come over the horizon and steal second and third places on handicap.
The fast handicap fleet starting half an hour later saw the Dart 18 fleet sail in close formation until Mat Exon escaped the Doldrums first. This was the move that would eventually give him the fast handicap title, in spite of the best efforts of Mark Robinson (Inter 20) and Andrew Frankish (F18) who, in their faster machinery, could never stretch a significant lead.
The last boat finished five hours after the start in what had been a hot and frustrating event.
Many thanks to Tina for acting as PRO plus Ken and Graham for a long and patient
rescue duty.
Fast Handicap:
| 1st | M Exon | Dart 18 |
| 2nd | J Illingworth | Dart 18 |
| 3rd | A Frankish | F18 |
Slow Handicap:
| 1st | T Bell | Dart 15 |
| 2nd | W Gardner | Swordfish |
| 3rd | C Cartwright | Enterprise |
| Last Modified: 22-Jul-2008 |