Early Spring Finale
Published 22:47 on 12 Apr 2026
Sunday (12th April) was one of those Spring multi-season weather day! It was a challenge that some decided was one too many, heading back in after the start of race 11. But for those who stayed out it was an exhilarating sleigh ride with some impressive sailing and wipe outs! Leading the way in both races was boy racer Kieran Lewis. With some text book gybes and head-of-the-fleet starts it was clear he was on a mission today and one that was clearly successful.
However the fleet gave chase and in race 11, Jeremy was very close behind with Phil Watson holding on to third place. In race 12 Phil Watson mistimed his start, ultimately retiring, but Chris Draper got a good start and mastered the conditions to finish second behind Kieran. Jeremy continued to plane around the course into third.
Throughout the fleet there was much bravery and skill on display as the heavy gusts and rain continued until racing was complete!
Overall Kieran won all 6 races he competed in, however today he changed to the Aero 7 configuration which together with the missing races meant he ended well out of the top places. And so the podium places were:
1. Matt Bennet (Solo) 12pts, 2. Phil Watson (Streaker) 20pts, 3. Simon and Julie Dolman (Miracle) 29pts.
Mark and Karen in the rescue boat had a very busy day - with many thanks being received in the clubhouse after the event. Special mention to Claire acting as OOD for the first time! Well done Claire.
Once Ron had totted up all the points, the presentations went ahead straight after the bacon rolls had been served. As explained in an earlier story this year historical trophies are being repurposed and awarded for series wins in the present racing programme. For the Early Spring Series the Jack Frodsham Memorial Trophy was presented to the overall winner Matt Bennet. Ron explained about Jack and Gladys and their involvement in the club over many years. Jack moved from a Miracle to Solo and he and Ron battled it out on the lake for many years and Gladys was a mainstay in the galley alongside Dot.
Dave Thomas presented the trophy, commenting that it was really appropriate that the winning boat was a Solo!
Photo of Matt with his trophy and some of the competitors from today, lots more photos on Facebook.
Video of some of the racing can be found at: https://youtu.be/XE-IS6W5ShE?si=a1CVqJRXlV-XFOVp look out for some text book gybing from Kieran!
Last updated 22:49 on 12 April 2026
