KEN Fowler might have crossed the line first but the real winner was the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation when Highcliffe Sailing Club did their bit for Bart’s Bash on Sunday.
Sailing clubs from across the globe took part in the annual fundraiser in memory of the sport’s revered star with 15 boats signed on for Highcliffe’s sea race.
Blessed with beautiful sunshine and with a north-easterly gust, the race committee set a simple triangular course but increasing wind speeds and breaking waves proved tricky for some with several capsizes before the start.
A clean opening saw Pete Bell (Europe), Jamie Perry (Laser Radial), and Josh McCormick (Laser Radial) vying for pole position but the glory was short- lived as they were quickly overtaken by Kevin Chapman and Matt Bates (RS 400).
By the second lap the increasing wind made for heavy work for those heading upwind but Fowler stuck it out and by lap three was close to the front of the pack.
Chris and Charlotte Lake (RS Vision) made progress but were cut down by a spectacular capsize on the gybe mark.
The club raised £265 in donations to the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. Result: 1 Ken Fowler, 2 John Phelps, 3 Josh McCormick.
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