There was a large turnout for the penultimate round of the Crewsaver Laser 3000 UK Cup at the picturesque but tranquil Sussex venue on October 7-8 with the circuit regulars joined by several local boats.

Reigning national champion Mike Hart, and his team of six from the Royal Hospital School, missed the first race due to a broken trailer and honours went to West Oxfordshire’s Adrian Hollier and Simon Ellis, keen to gain on the overall title chase. Second was Bexhill’s Simon Turpin and Dave Wells, coping well with the fluky conditions. The local boat of Chris and Ginny Marshall narrowly squeezed out Grafham Water’s Will and James Holt in ‘Team Crewsaver’ for third.

After lunch with the wind still absent, the normal order returned with Mike Hart and Guy Draper leading the fleet in the next five races. Race three on Saturday was abandoned with no wind.

Sunday started promisingly with some movement on the water suggesting breeze, but what there was proved light and fickle. With Hart and Draper leading, the chasing pack was led home by Hollier and Ellis, ‘Team Crewsaver’ and Weir Wood’s John Lyle and Sophie Whensley, with good showings from club mates Henry Maples and Cavan Fyans. Royal Hospital School’s Sam Grainger and Hannah Stodel and Chris Prosser, and Phil Pattenden also turned in strong performances to feature in the prizes.

Results

1st 3360, Mike Hart and Guy Draper (Royal Hospital School) 4pts

2nd 3110, Adrian Hollier and Simon Ellis (West Oxon SC) 9pts

3rd 3032, ‘Team Crewsaver’ Will and James Holt (Grafham Water SC) 11pts

4th 3148, John Lyle and Sophie Whensley (Weir Wood SC) 16pts

5th Sam Grainger and Hana Stodel (RHS) 17pts

6th Chris Prosser and Phil Pattenden (RHS) 22pts