Guildford Marine Harken Frensham Frenzy 2014
A warm, sunny day and a good south westerly breeze were quite a change for sailors at Frensham Pond on Sunday 9th March. The club's annual Frenzy open pursuit event drew a good forty-four entries including eight visitors. Ages taking part varied from youth to grand master, including veteran former Frensham Finn champion, Richard Hart.
Race 1: The morning pursuit race started late and was won by visiting Solo helm Pete Mitchell from Hayling pursued into second place by Mike Lyons in his Blaze. The weather conditions suited the local Frensham 2.4 keelboat fleet with previous event winner, Richard Smallwood in fourth place behind local helm Graham Butler in a Streaker. Following a crowded lunch in the clubhouse racing started again in the early afternoon.
Race 2: First away on timing was the Cadet junior youth duo: Charlotte Videlo and Katie Yelland. The rest of the fleet followed in Portsmouth yardstick rating order. After a long session in a slightly falling breeze the race winner went to local RS200 duo Katrina Gilbert and Jenny Rush. But second place and overall winner went to the outstanding helm on the day: Hayling's Pete Mitchell in his Solo. Frensham's 2.4 helm Bruce Hill took third.
The day ended in tradition with the famous Frensham Free tea. The laden tables were completely cleared in minutes. Then came prize giving with a fine array presented by the event sponsors: Guildford Marine and Harken. Club Commodore Keith Videlo thanked all who had taken part and made the day such a success. He thanked both generous sponsors for their support and then the race officers and safety boat drivers as well as the club's own kitchen staff.
Overall Results:
Event Trophy: Pete Mitchell, Solo (Hayling Island SC)
2nd: Katrina Gilbert and Jenny Rush, RS200 (Frensham)
3rd: Mike Lyons, Blaze (Burghfield SC)
4th: Bruce Hill, 2.4mR (Frensham)
Special Prizes:
Youngest competitors: Charlotte Videlo & Katie Yelland
Ladies: Katrina Gilbert & Jenny Rush
Grand Master: Richard Smallwood
Master: Bruce Hill
Youth: Alex Butler
Youth over 15: Molly Spiers