International 14 Perry Pot at Itchenor Sailing Club - Round 1

The International 14 fleet assembled at Itchenor for Round 1 of the Perry Pot — eight boats, many champions, and a general sense of optimism that would soon be tested. Chichester Harbour delivered flat water and 12-18 knots: perfect conditions for maximum swagger and minimum excuses.

PRO Pete Bromley set two three-lap windward-leeward courses, one with a leeward mark and one with a gate, ensuring that no one could pretend they weren't given enough opportunities to mess things up.

Race 1 - "The Kite Drop of Doom"

George Yeoman & Ed Chapman opened the day with a cracking starboard-end start, which briefly suggested competence.

Down at the pin, Andy Tarboton (helm) & Archie Massey (crew) pushed the line so enthusiastically that they were forced to return and start again. A bold strategy. Did not pay off.

Meanwhile Glen Trusswell & Ed Fitzgerald headed right, found a friendly shift, and disappeared up the track at a rate that implied they had entered the "Elite Mode" setting.

Behind them, George & Ed engaged in a solid scrap with Andy Fitzgerald & Harvey Hillary until Andy & Harvey decided that a quick swim might liven things up.

George & Ed then cruised along safely in second... right up until the final kite drop, which was less "drop" and more "interpretive dance piece". This allowed Katie Nurton & Ed Clay (on a return to the class), plus the rapidly recovering Andy & Archie, to slip through without even breaking stride.

Finishing order:

1. Glen & Ed
2. Katie & Crew
3. Andy T & Archie
4. George & Ed

Race 2 - "Archie Takes the Helm (Because Arms Get Tired)"

Race 2 began with a change: Archie was now helming, and Andy was crewing, largely because Archie's arms were tired and he fancied a sit-back job in Race 2. Word in the boat park is that Andy's arms were also tired, but he was overruled.

Glen & Ed launched off the line yet again with the calm assurance of people who had absolutely no intention of letting anyone else win anything.

Andy Fitzgerald & Harvey attempted a dramatic port-flyer, immediately found the Chichester mud, and capsized. A strong early contender for "moment of the day", rumour has it the trench that was created to house oyters to support a cleaner harbour plan, how selfless.

At the top mark, Glen & Ed led comfortably (again), followed by Archie (freshly rested, now helming) & Andy (working harder than he probably expected as boat owner). George & Ed were close behind and managed to pass Archie & Andy up the next beat while they were still recalibrating their newly flipped responsibilities.

George & Ed then extended slightly and were in a controlling position — and all they had to do was cover the boat behind them. A very simple concept. Very achievable. Often recommended.

Naturally, they chose not to.

Archie & Andy split away, found the golden right-hand shift, and snatched back second with the confidence of men who had just gotten away with something glorious.

Glen & Ed won their second race in a row. Obviously.

Finishing order:

1. Glen & Ed
2. Archie (rested arms) & Andy (less rested arms)
3. George & Ed

Back Ashore - "Beer Solves Everything"

Back on shore, the traditional scampi and chips were served as emotional support. Discussions centred on tactical errors, regrettable kite drops, and how many more races Archie intends to helm before his arms get tired again.

Everyone will be back next weekend to repeat the chaos — hopefully with marginally better decisions.

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