Dunnett Does It Again

Gunfleet Sailing Club held the third race in its Spring Series last Sunday morning 17 April and, once again, Andy Dunnett took first place in his Laser, making him a strong contender for the Trophy overall.

 

Sunshine and blue skies greeted the competitors, along with a pleasant force 2 to 3 north-westerly breeze although, being offshore, it did provide a mix of gusts and lulls.  On a freshly ebbing tide the helms had to decide whether to stay close to the shore and reduce the effects of the adverse tide, or stand-off and find stronger wind but also stronger tide on their first leg down the coast to the St. Michael’s buoy.  In traditional fashion Ken Potts was first across the starting line, followed by Andy Dunnett in his Laser and Derroll Pedder in a Solution.  Unfortunately, some 200 yards from the start Rob Lockett capsized his Laser and, in his effort to right the boat could only watch all the other competitors sail past him and into the distance.  He did eventually get his boat upright and spent the rest of the race chasing after the fleet.  By the time the boats had gone round the first mark John Tappenden was leading the Laser fleet, and in the Topazes it was Beth Elliott who had opened up an impressive gap, Tom and Ed Philpot continued to chase hard whilst further back in the fleet Eddie White was forced to retire with technical problems.

 

The reach out to the Seaward buoy proved trouble-free and then the helms hardened-up for the beat in towards the shore, around the AWS buoy, followed by a dead run back out to sea.  It was as the craft then beat to the Kingscliff mark that the wind started to become a little more fickle.  Dunnett chuckled to himself as he caught a small breeze and slid ever closer to the buoy as both Tappenden and Pedder sat becalmed, but fate was against him.  A sudden gust saw Dunnett capsize and this opened up the opportunity for Tappenden to slip past and smartly head towards the line on the first lap.  Dunnett fought hard to regain the lead on the second lap and finally took Tappenden at the Seaward buoy, but it was Cadet Elliott who stole the show for coming third overall and beating several more experienced helms.