1 & 2, May 5, 2023

The first POETS race of the 2023 season which was due to be held last week was cancelled due to lack of wind; this provided an ideal opportunity for a small two race series on Coronation weekend for a one-off Coronation Cup event as part of the main POETS series. Nine of those taking part had been youngsters at the time of the last coronation and four were sailing on their own.
The course for race 1 was down the lake: Club-Thwaite-Lodge-Floshgate-Waterside-Club (one lap) a nice short course for the first race of year. The fleet kept close together and although there were changes of position throughout, most of the boats finished within 4 minutes of each other. First: Sue Harding and Andrew Darwent (Sonata); second: Colin Brown (Beneteau); third: Raymond Harle and John Wales (Hunter).
The second race was up the lake and was two laps: Club-Beauthorn-Bonscale-Lodge-North Bay-Club. The breeze picked up a little just after the start and Colin Brown lead the way up to Beauthorn and then set off for Ravencrag, the wrong mark, followed by two other boats! By the time he realised his error he was well behind the others and Sue Harding, the first to follow the correct course soon built up a considerable lead which she maintained for the rest of the race, finishing over a leg in front of the others in an elapsed time of just under an hour. Sam Harding (Hunter) was second on handicap and newcomers to POETS Andy and Barbara Cutting in their Hunter Ranger 245 were third.
The results of both races combined were: 1st Sue Harding and Andrew Darwent, 2nd Andrew and Barbara Cutting and third Raymond Harle and John Wales.
After the racing the POETS raised a toast to the new King.
- David Hansford

Last updated 19:02 on 13 November 2023