little miracle

Patrick Rohart (1209) and Ben Hawker (170)

A Little “Miracle”

The Winter Pursuit series kicked off on 23rd September. On the face of it, it was a regular Saturday and 12 boats competed. But, a little “miracle” took place … Charles Adams helming his trusty Miracle 1625, had a great morning and won BOTH races.

He beat Graham Hunt into 2nd place in the first race, and Nigel Davis into 2nd in the second race.

All sorts of other good things went on too … competition remained fierce amongst the Supernovas trapped all morning wherever there was no wind with only Nigel escaping.

It was pleasing to see the juniors growing in confidence with Tom Etherton sailing his Comet 170 into 10th place in both races. His fellow junior, Ben Hawker, had a 12th and 11th but, more importantly, he too was competing well against all the more experienced sailors. Both have lots of exciting potential.

A “summer evening sailing graduate”, Paul Sperring, plus his small son James, also put in a first appearance in a hired RS Feva and came 11th and 12th.

The OOD was Paul McAlister, ably assisted by Will Etherton (Tom’s Dad). Both are relatively new Wellys, but they handled the multiple starts and finishes as if to the manner born. The two of them have quickly become great assets to the club.

Out in the safety boat, Simon Hawker, (Ben’s Dad), was assisting Rescue Driver, Shaun Smale. He’s done this duty many times already, which is much appreciated.

On shore, recent sailing recruit Tom Hebbert arrived with his wife Alannah, 3-year old Eliza, and baby Ava. He took Eliza out for a little sail round during the first race but regrettably no one had a camera handy so there is no pic of this maiden voyage.

However, it all augers well for the future.

It may have been “an ordinary Saturday” but all sorts of interesting things were still going on!