Cold conditions for the Mince Pie Handicap at Hastings & St Leonards Sailing Club

Winds were force two from the east, veering north-westerly with temperatures only just above freezing. Boats were cleanly away at the start and rounded the first mark without incident until a squall on the leg out to sea. The wind picked up immediately and veered suddenly to become westerly. Philip Blurton and Andrew Mendelsohn in a Tasar tacked at the wrong moment and were all but capsized before stabilising.

Other boats managed the changes more adeptly and moved ahead swiftly in the stronger breeze. The wind crept north westerly, dropping back down as the squall passed. Eric Petersen (Laser) held his nerve throughout, sailing through the changes in wind strength and direction to take the win, with Melanie Clark (Laser Radial) in second. By the start of the second race the fleet was down to seven and with two boats jumping the start and not returning to correct their error, only five were left competing. Another two retired during the race with technical problems leaving Petersen battling against the two Tasars. Blurton and Mendelsohn were in front but lost the lead on the first beat to better tacking decisions by Petersen, and were nearly caught by the second Tasar of Hugh Ashford and Tina Mendelsohn.

Faster on the reach, Blurton’s Tasar took the lead again and held on to cross the line. Although taking line honours, when handicaps were applied, it was Petersen who had won by seven seconds. His two wins gave him victory overall; Blurton and Andrew Mendelsohn (Tasar) were second and Ashford and Tina Mendelsohn were third. Sailors headed ashore for mince pies and mulled wine, and the chance to warm up. Boats were put away for the final time this year; the club’s sailing programme will begin again at the end of March 2023.