Here is the 4th annual Wednesday evening series racing report from organiser Mike Harrison:
A total of 30 yachts took part in the 4th Wednesday evening series hosted at Medway Yacht Club and sponsored by Barton Marine.
The series consisted of 10 races with 6 to count and included a variety of cruisers and keel boats ranging from a Dehler 36 to an 18 foot Micro Cupper plus Dragons, Sonatas and Squibs in the keelboat division.
Careful course selection resulted in 10 races being completed in a variety of conditions. Fortunately in recent weeks the weather has improved greatly and competitors were able to change from layers of warm clothing and wet gear to shorts and t-shirts.
In the cruiser division Goodbye Mr Chips (Impala) sailed a very consistent series to take the Barton Cruiser trophy. In second place was last year’s winner Zephros (Dehler 34) followed by Muskrat Ramble (First 32S.5)
In the Keel Boat division the final places were decided on the last race with Whistle (Dragon class) and the race organisers’ Musical Express (Sonata class ) crewed by Barton’s Paul Botterill, tied on equal points. Whistle got away well at the start of the last race and won comfortably from Musical Express to take the Barton Keelboat trophy. Tia (Dragon class), last year’s winner, finishing 3rd.
All competitors appeared to enjoy the short race format which creates a pleasant midweek sail followed by supper and drinks in the clubhouse.
At the prize-giving thanks were given to the Race Officer Commodore Roger Bishop and line helpers and the trot boat crews for their assistance in getting crews to and from their boats.
