STORMY START AS NEW SAILING SEASON GETS UNDERWAY

Bob Palmer claimed the revered Ice Bucket Trophy as Bexhill Sailing Club’s season got off to a choppy start.

Five crews battled it out in force four winds on a triangular course set by Race Officer Dusty Miller.

Surf created a troublesome launch, needing beach party support, and then it was a chunky ride in lumpy waves.

The three Europes, with their shorter design, had more of the roller coaster ride than the Laser and Catamaran.

Palmer in the Laser took the win ahead of Richard Eagleton, Lee Roberts and Richard Bratton, all Europes, with the Dart 16A sailing the quickest in the conditions but handicapped back to final position.

Palmer will collect the Ice Bucket later in the season at the awards. Winds were too strong for the Sunday race.

BSC’s second weekend of action saw poor weather rule out Saturday races too but 11 boats took to the water on the Sunday –including honorary treasurer Flo’ Wright in his Dart 16A, alone in his class.

The Slow Fleet were active with four Europes headed by Richard Eagleton in his new boat, including his go faster strip. Malcolm Brookes, Cadet Captain, followed in second with his Comet, while Lee Roberts was not far behind with his Europe.

Eve Fifield sailed well, representing the cadets, whilst Bob Palmer took fast fleet honours ahead of the Vortex of Tim Murray.