Heron Southern Championships at Chipstead Sailing Club

Heron Southern Championships at Chipstead © Sean Chapman

A fresh north-easterly wind brought favourable conditions for sailors at the Heron Dinghy Class Association Southern Championships hosted by Chipstead Sailing Club on Sunday 8th May 2022.

Fourteen boats set off for three races on Chipstead Lake, near Sevenoaks, in excellent conditions. A very warm and sunny day with a fresh bresh is just what the Heron ordered. The conditions meant that competitors could enjoy slightly longer races and for those flying spinnakers they had a nice long run owing to the lake's southwest - northeast orientation.

The race officer employed a committee-boat start which is unusual for anyone regularly sailing at Chipstead. A tight line made it all the more exciting; especially more interesting as the lake was shared with the Graduate Class Association's Southern Championships who had just as many boats on the water. At the start of the third race, a general recall of the Graduate fleet meant that the Herons went first and could benefit from clean wind! One sailor remarked that this was an unusual experience for them and because of the lead they gained as a consequence they felt the pressure of being out front. A nice problem to have.

After the racing, both fleets enjoyed a tea prepared by members and the end of a glorious day and long weekend of racing was made all the better by the bar being opened and the sun being out.

The racing was expertly managed by Chipstead's very own Mick Kostiw and his excellent team of assistant race officers and safetyboat team.

The following prizes were awarded:

• Chipstead Heron Class Endeavour Award: Mike Hawsworth & Roy Tompkins
• 1st Chipstead Boat: James Russ & Maggie Bolton
• Winner 1st Race (Alfred Bossy Trophy): Dave Butler & Emily Clixby
• Winner 2nd Race (Marlow Ropes Trophy): Dave Butler & Emily Clixby
• Winner 3rd Race (Croydon Anchor Trophy): James Russ & Maggie Bolton
• Third overall: James Russ & Maggie Bolton
• Second overall: Matt Pickett
• First overall: Dave Butler & Emily Clixby

Overall Results: