Maldon Yacht Club's Brunch Race proved a great attraction, despite the early start.

With brunch being served during the racing, this popular annual social event lived up to its reputation, with Brunchers outnumbering sailors three to one.

Dean Saxton and Rob Smith, in their Hornet, found the light and testing conditions to their liking to post yet another win, ahead of the Lasers of Mike Hedgecock and Ian Wright.

Mark Dickinson and Sam Grasse swapped their 420 for a Hornet for the day and sailed well, offering further evidence of another possible convert in Simon White's efforts to revive the Hornet fleet.

On Sunday a good number turned out for the third race in the Helmsman Series.

The strong wind deterred some and several of the remaining fleet suffered a capsize before the start in what were demanding conditions. Mike Hedgecock (Laser), usually so competitive in such conditions, decided to come in before the six-minute countdown had expired, and Keith Gower followed just after the start.

However, those who did tough it out were rewarded with some exhilarating reaches on the outward leg, though the hard windward leg back home made things difficult around West Point and sent several crews for another swim.

Even Snipe fleet captain Alan Hoy and son Graham, who performed so well in similar conditions over the Easter weekend, suffered a technical problem and rare capsize, and once again victory went to Saxton and Smith who, after having won the Easter Series outright, have been beaten only once since returning to the club - and on that occasion they were second.

The Lasers of Terry Crook and John Crook took second and third places, respectively, with Simon White and Andrew Appleby, in another Hornet, a well earned fourth.

Published Thursday, May 1, 2003

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