ESC defeat Slipper in tight team racing match

Published 10:28 on 23 Aug 2023

Last weekend was all about team racing - Greg Eaton reports.

Saturday dawned bright and windy, and when the sailors and water arrived, we launched with reefs into a sporting SW'ly for an afternoon of team practice, ready for the friendly grudge match versus Slipper on the Sunday. A start boat, ably managed by Dick B & Kirstie H, with a great course laid by Steve & Steph, led to some exciting racing co-ordinated by John D, and umpired by Greg E. All the ESC sailors enjoyed their day, and lots was learnt ready for 'big Sunday'. In particular it was great to see some of the keen older sailors mix it with youngsters such as Henry Chandler and Ben Tweedle who had benefited from several years of team racing at University.

Sunday dawned bright and Sunny and with some over-night boat repairs, thanks to Dick, John and Marcus the boats were all set for the invitational match. Cheering on the Lionesses was the first order of the the day, unfortunately without the result England wanted.

Race 1 and with both clubs fielding their A-team all was set for a humdinger of a battle. Tom Heywood (ESC) trapped Mark Riddington (ESSC) outside the committee boat to gain the advantage of the line, but Mark came back into the race enough to gain a penalty on team Henry (ESC) for sailing above their proper course by the windward mark. A further penalty against ESC at mark B meant that Slipper moved into the lead and held to the finish, 1-0 to Slipper. ESC came back in race 2 to tie the series. Races 3-5 all went ESC's way, so the home team gained a 4-1 lead.

Mark Riddington and John Harris-Burland proved an effective team for Slipper as they gained a couple of race wins, albeit one was not without controversy when Greg the umpire gave a decision against ESC when with the benefit of VAR it probably should have been against John HB.

The scene was set for the final race inside the two hour time-limit. ESC were winning 6-3, and led this race 1-2 after mark 3. Mark went high and attacked Hugh Watson, enabling Andy Gould to squeeze through into 2nd. Mark held the inside line at mark 4, and rounded ahead and Slipper were able to hold out to the finish.

The 2 hour time limit came around and everyone returned to shore for a beer, sandwiches and the prize-giving. Big thanks to all the volunteers who made the event possible, Dick for stickers and centreboard fix, Tim Pitman for the loan of his boat, and Tom Le Quesne for stepping in when one of the Club boats failed.

Final Result - ESC wins the team racing 6-4 - let's do some more next year!

Team ESC:

Tom Heywood (capt)
Hugh Watson
Henry Chandler
Henry Hawkes
Ben Tweedle
Gareth Tweedle
Jonny Hepworth
Tom Le Quesne

Photos