Ken - King of the Comets

Gunfleet Sailing Club played host to dinghy sailors around the country when it hosted the 2016 Comet Open Meeting last Sunday 10 July.  Sailors came from as far as Worthing, Perterborough, and even Seaton in Devon to take part last Sunday in, what can only be described as, very lively conditions.  The event saw overall victory going to local sailor Ken Potts, who had the honour of winning the very first Comet National Championships back in the early 1980’s.

 

As the competitors rigged their craft the wind started to build and was soon blowing a steady south/south-westerly force five.  At the start of the first race it was Potts who shot across the line on starboard tack, heading out to sea to catch the flood tide, as the fleet sailed down the coast to the St. Michael’s buoy.  Visitor Chris Robinson made good progress on port tack and then headed out to sea just behind Potts.  Henry Jaggers found the conditions just a bit too lively and wisely retired back to the shore, Potts leading around the first mark.  Robinson caught him up, however, on the broad reach back to the AWS buoy and it was neck and neck on the fetch out to Seaward; Potts pulling ahead at the last minute.  By this time the wind had increased to force six and capsizes started occurring, not least of whom was Potts as he ran down to the Kingscliff Buoy.  This gave Robinson the chance he was looking for, and he immediately took the lead.  The second lap saw Potts catch-up but he lost out again on a second capsize on the same leg of the course; Robinson claiming victory.

 

After lunch the second race was held and, as the competitors started, the wind began gusting to 33 mph, a force seven, resulting in some alarming speeds.  John Coppennall lead the fleet on the first leg but saw a number of Comets overtake him as the beat progressed.  Potts once again got into top spot, followed by Robinson, who later capsized and allowed Bob Dodds to gain second place, despite Dodds ripping a rudder fitting off the boat.  

 

The third race saw Potts once again take the lead, but this time followed by fellow Gunfleet sailor Derroll Pedder who took a very creditable second place.  

 

With the best two results counting it gave Potts an overall win for the day.