A sunny but still day welcomed the Kent Travellers Mirror fleet to Maidstone on 18th September. Nonetheless, as in previous years, such uninviting sailing conditions did not prevent the day’s racing being anything but competitive, not only at the front but also among the fleet in general.
Ian Walker had much his own way in the first race, leading Lee Goodey and Guy Wilkins to the finish. The second race started, only to be abandoned, but the re-run saw Ian and Lee involved in a tacking duel right to the line, but this time with Lee gaining the upper hand. Again Guy finished third.
With all depending on the last race, a good start was essential. Unfortunately, there was some confusion on the start line, which delayed Ian Walker momentarily and allowed Lee to make the vital break, which he immediately converted into a significant lead. Meanwhile Ian Walker was swallowed up by the fleet to round the first mark in fourth place. Although he recovered to second in the reach that followed, he was never in a position to engage. Third, on this occasion, was young Colin Goodman, who had sailed increasingly competitively as the day progressed.
Overall results:
1st Lee Goodey & Chris Greenstreet (Broadstairs SC)
2nd Ian Walker & Fergus Ross (Chipstead SC)
3rd Guy Wilkins & Tanya Larlin (Blue Circle SC)
Editors Note: This article is from Reflections No. 79 Winter 1988, page 11. It has been captured by OCR, so typos & errors are possible.
