Tera open event report
Published 09:37 on 30 Jun 2021
Early afternoon on the 27 June, 34 young sailors from 5 clubs across the harbour and beyond set sail from the club to race in the Tera open. In fresh, southwesterly winds, 2 fleets of Pro and Sport began the first of their 3 races.
In spite of the rain, the fleets, especially younger members, persevered through gusts, broken tiller extensions and windshifts with some great sailing. The racing took place south of Fowley, where the sailors raced triangle and oval courses in which the sailors gained invaluable experience in race starts, racing etiquette and techniques as well as showing off and testing strategies.
On returning to the club, the racers were presented with delicious match teas and the results; In the Pro fleet, Oliver Stratton-Brown from Frensham Pond SC sealed the top spot, while HISC member Alex Sydenham came first in the Sport fleet. The highest ranking ESC member was Harry Jones, who finished a very respectable 8th with a Tera Sport and spot prize went to Olivia Le Quesne (ESC) for a spectacular capsize.
Overall, it was a brilliant few races with some very high performance sailing and I think everyone learned and had fun. None of it could have happened without the race officers, safety crew, tally ladies, parking officials and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the open happen. Thank you!
Ruthie Gawley, ESC Junior Reporter and Tera Open Competitor
Ruthie has summed up the day beautifully and I would like to say congratulations to all our competitors and would also like to extend my thanks to our Race Officers and Assistant Race Officers, Safety crews, tally, car parking and of course also to Ollie and his team and Liz and Victoria for all their help and support in getting the event off the ground despite restrictions and weather!
Sometimes when we volunteer to help organise something we do, inevitably ask ourselves if it is worth the effort, but to see all the smiley faces when the children returned makes it all worthwhile. And then from some of our youngest sailors I received these messages:
Emma: "It was my first time in a race and the course was very windy but it was fun and exciting making your own decisions and I also made new friends. The best bits were the sailing and the tea"
Isaac "I liked building up speed (but not too much) and looking at my wake. Being my first ever race I liked that the safety boats helped people when mistakes were made and they helped to get me back to shore. I loved the tea!'
And from Noah "It was really intense to see so many people at the start line, it was the first time I've sailed a dinghy at Swere deep which was challenging but really fun. I really enjoyed Ollies chocolate muffin too "
Ann Williams