Despite a cold north-westerly wind blowing up to 34 knots, the sun shone again for the Brandy Pursuit Race to close out the Adnam's Cruiser Winter Series at Brandy Hole Yacht Club on the Crouch.

While the race series had ended, this fun event encouraged 12 boats to come out and play one last time in the watery sunshine.

All boats have a start time according to their handicap rating and the greyhounds work their way up into the fleet of the slower boats in a chase after the pursuit boat.

Then, at a set time, the nearest to the pursuit boat is declared the winner of the litre of brandy. This year the prize went to Paul Williams and the crew of Surah, who also finished second overall in the winter series.

All boats that have completed three races get a quarter bottle to warm up the crew and a party ensues back at the club when these stalwarts return to the club for the famous apres-sail when Brandy Hole are hosts to many visitors to this popular local event for the boating community.

Results

Winner: Paul Williams and crew in Trintella "Surah"; 2nd, Steve Smith in Mon 34 "Akvavit"; 3rd, Geoff Skelton in GK29 "Rumours".

Published Friday January 2, 2004

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