Results / Eastbourne Open Eastbourne Sovereign SC - 13/09/2003

Despite much confusion as to whether or not this event was to be run, a small But evenly matched fleet of 800�s turned up at Eastbourne on a glorious weekend. Clear blue sky, sparkling sea and light southerly winds set the scene for some very close racing. Excellent courses, and just enough time to take on water and scoff your Mars bar between races, a beach party to help you launch and recover your boat, excellent food and disco on Saturday night. Saturdays races saw local sailors Mick Whitmore and Sarah Smith battle with Pevensey Bay Sailors Andy Street and Andy Pickrell. Race 1 saw three boats finish within metres of each other with Mick and Sarah stealing the race right at the death. Race 2 was won pretty convincingly by the two Andys with Simon Jenkins and Neil Arnott second. The last race on Saturday in a dying breeze was again won be Mick and Sarah giving them a very narrow lead overnight from Andy and Andy. An 11.00 hrs start time on Sunday allowed everyone to enjoy a decent breakfast, a short two minuet sail onto the race course and away on time in similar conditions to Saturday. Chris Stevens and Jo Skinner from Stokes Bay who had a 3,5,2 on Saturday shot off the line in race 4 and never looked back, great boat speed upwind gave them three bullets and left the rest trailing in their wake to win overall from Mick Whitmore and Sarah Smith with Andy Street and Andy Pickrell third. A very well run event, shame there were not more 800,s to enjoy it! Mick Whitmore RS800 903