Pacer Nationals at Elmer Sands Sailing Club

The pacers met at the best kept secret on the South Coast – Elmer Sands, hidden between Little Hampton and Bognor Regis. This beautiful area boasts a superb sailing venue and the most relaxed club you are ever likely to meet.

Light airs greeted the Pacers for the race 1 of the 5 race series with 3 to count.

Race 1 saw Russell and son Knottley (2299) take lead from former champion Mike Warwicker and Tom Sutcliffe (2302) with last years champion Brian Wells and James King third (84) to the windward mark – flying the spinnaker helped Warwicker fight the now drifting conditions the tide to eke out a healthy lead which he held to the line to take first from Wells 2nd and the Knottley’s 3rd.

Race 2 saw the wind fill in Warwicker and Sutcliffe started well and quickly tacked on to port gaining an early lead, which was held to the finish, with Brian Wells 2nd, with Bill and Laura Banks 3rd, (1700)

Day 2 arrived with the promise of more wind.

Race 3 started in a good breeze, a short reach start made for a plenty of fun at the first mark and an exciting and close downwind leg. Derek and Sam Whitehead (47) showed early with Warwicker close behind. Mike Warwicker took the lead by the end the 2nd lap. A great battle ensured for 2nd spot – eventually taken by Bill and Laura Banks (1700). On the last leg the position changing 6 times in the last lap!

Race 4 saw the fleet much closer together with places changing right up to the finish line with the Whitehead’s taking the bullet from Warwicker 2nd, with the Banks 3rd.

With Warwicker having an unassailable - the battle for 2nd place was on, anyone of 4 boats in position to take second spot.

Race 5 was the best of the lot; Warwicker eventually won but with places swapping right up to the last tack, saw the Whitehead’s sneak 2nd place and 2nd place overall with the Banks 3rd.

Our thanks goes to Elmer Sands Sailing Club for their unique sailing venue and race control – the Pacers definitely wish to return.

A special mention for Bernie and Neil whose combined weight of 40 stone for a boat designed to take 20 wish this to be known as a Pacer record... unless you know different

Overall Results: