ISO Gala - Eastbourne Sovereign SC (17th & 17th June 2000)
The ISO fleet gathered at Eastbourne Sovereign Sailing Club over the weekend of the 17th - 18th June for the latest round of the Multi Gala series. A very hot weekend was forecast, this materialised, however light winds from the east Dominated the weekend. After a slight delay racing got underway.
Race 1 and National Champions Mike Speller and Rob Burridge played the first beat right and were not headed throughout the race, though they were chased home all the way by Mick Whitmore and Sarah Smith from the local club with Team RWO Alistair Clarke and Pete Lindley in third place.
Race 2 got underway with Whitmore and Smith having to re-cross the start line round the end, with only one lap to go they had managed to get back to fourth place with Speller and Burridge leading from Team RWO. Some confusion then set in as to a shorten course flag and all of the fleet with the exception of Whitmore and Smith suddenly headed off for the finish line with their spinnakers up, doubt then set in with the leaders, especially as Whitmore and Smith were by now nearly up to the windward mark, so all the fleet set off in pursuit up wind again, this gave a gift win to Whitmore/Smith and enough distance between them and the rest of the fleet so the laughing couldn't be heard. Team RWO were second and Speller/Burridge third. The last race of the Saturday in the dying wind saw "Flying Bannana" sailed by Andrew Gould and Vicky Lewis at last fulfil their potential and take an open meeting race win, Vicky celebrating in style as they crossed the line and took the gun, Team RWO second, Speller and Burridge third.
Saturday night at Eastbourne Sovereign is always party night, a great barbeque, the England V Germany match on TV ( WE WON!) and a Live band made for a terrific evening/early morning. Sunday, the sun was out all day again, and the light winds were slightly better than the day before. Speller and Burridge had obviously been drinking shandy or orange juice only, three wins from the three races, can't argue with that sort of form. Not far behind them, though definitely not shandy drinkers were Gould and Lewis with two seconds and a third. Team RWO were down a little on the day with fifth and two third places and Whitmore and Smith were disappointed with a fourth and two fifth places. John Gill and Juliet Daniels from Stone S.C. came on the pace on Sunday with a second a two fourth places. Again some new faces appearing on the circuit, these are most welcome.
A good event, a great party. Thanks to sponsors for donating various prizes, Smith and Gibbs Yacht Chandlers, and Storm 10 Clothing.
