Kent School Sailing Association 2024 Annual Regatta
by Cressida Williams 30 Sep 2024 19:12 AEST
14 September 2024
The Kent School Sailing Association's annual 2024 Regatta was held this year at Downs Sailing Club on Saturday 14th September. This was particularly appropriate given that Downs is marking its 75th anniversary this year.
It was a day of glorious sunshine, with the Channel looking particularly spectacular under a bright blue September sky. Participants unloaded and unpacked amidst the bustle of a Park Run on Walmer Green. The wind was gentle first-thing but picked up in the afternoon to present a little more challenge for the sailors. Overall, it proved a perfect day of sailing.
The day started with a welcome from Alan Ridgers, vice-chairman of Kent County Council, who grew up in Deal. Taking to the water were 47 boats in the main fleet, and 11 in the rookie fleet, from 12 clubs across Kent. Eight boats were sailed double-handed. There were three races for the main fleet with four for the rookie fleet.
Overall, the first places were held in the main fleet by Dan Hebditch from Chipstead, Sebastian Robb from Downs and Joe Barton from Whitstable. In the rookie fleet, the leaders were Kevin Geng from the King's School, Eric Leeming from Medway and Emma Peach from Downs.
The day ended with the presentation of trophies and a celebration of the county team's win at the National Schools Sailing Association regatta at Bassenthwaite in July.
In typical form for the club, there was efficient service of food and refreshments from the galley, and from the bar at the end of the day.
Noah, one of the young sailors, said: "The KSSA regatta at Downs Sailing Club was so fun! I enjoy sailing because it's thrilling and every race is a new adventure. These events are perfect for making friends and honing skills. The wind really picked up by the final race, which made it an amazing end to the day!"