Dart 18 Open 2024: A Picture-Perfect Weekend at Worthing Sailing Club
Published 22:44 on 11 Aug 2024
This past weekend, the Dart 18 Open 2024 lit up Worthing Sailing Club with excitement, competition, and camaraderie. With sailors travelling from all over to join in, the event turned into a joyous celebration of the sport, where the sun shone brightly and the winds provided near perfect Dart 18 racing conditions.
Day 1: High Winds and High Spirits
The weekend kicked off in spectacular fashion, with a hearty breakfast prepared by the club's commodore, Sarah, who was assisted by Amelia and Tom. Their efforts fueled the sailors as they prepared for a day of intense competition on the water. As the day progressed, the wind picked up, building to gusts of 27 knots with a sizable swell rolling in. These conditions made for some exhilarating racing, pushing both sailors and their boats to the limits.
The first two races of the day were action-packed, with the Dart 18s cutting through the waves at high speeds. However, as the swell continued to build, the decision was made to call off the last race of the day to ensure the safety of all participants. Despite this, the mood onshore was one of satisfaction, with many happy faces reflecting the thrill of the day's racing. One notable exception was Chris Painter, who unfortunately had to retire from the patrol boats early due to seasickness, but the overall atmosphere remained upbeat and positive.
Saturday Night: Great Food and Lively Entertainment
As the sun set, the clubhouse became the center of the evening's activities. Sasha and Jonty cooked up a fantastic meal for 95 guests. The night's entertainment featured a live band that delivered an energetic performance, though the volume may have been a tad high for some ears. Regardless, the night was filled with laughter, conversation, and the shared joy of a day well spent on the water.
Day 2: Lighter Winds, Big Challenges
Sunday brought lighter winds from the East, 16-20 knots, offering a different set of challenges and a chance for more tactical racing. All three scheduled races were completed, providing plenty of fun and excitement for the sailors. However, the day wasn't without its dramas. In the first race, Mercedes and Chris faced a major setback when they lost their mast. However, they were back on the water for the second race, showing resilience and determination.
The third race saw another mast loss, this time for Shane and Jill, who had to be towed back to shore. Despite these challenges, the atmosphere remained positive, with sailors taking the day's events in stride and focusing on the enjoyment of the competition.
Celebrating Success and Community
After the final race, the sailors gathered for the prize-giving ceremony, where beautifully handcrafted trophies made by the talented Caleb were presented. Mercedes and Chris, Patrick and Debs, Caleb and Chloe, Rob and Fi, Sarah and Rod, and youth sailor Orson, who crewed for a French guest sailor (Francois) this weekend, all received well-deserved recognition for their efforts on the water.
The success of the Dart 18 Open was a testament to the incredible dedication of the Worthing Sailing Club volunteers. The club ran with a buzz of organized efficiency throughout the weekend, ensuring that everything from race management to onshore support was handled with care and professionalism.
Special thanks go out to Sarah for catering on both days, keeping everyone well-fed and ready for the day's challenges. Instrumental to the event were the Committee Boat and Race Officer Jerry Robinson who kept the races running smoothly. Phil Germain, Barry and Mel ensured accurate race timings, and the patrol boat crew Chris Painter, Simon Ash, Andrew Ruffer, Simon Palmer, Paul Seggery, Tim Rose, and Martin Chapman were essential in maintaining safety and providing assistance when needed.
Looking Ahead
The Dart 18 Open 2024 at Worthing Sailing Club was a weekend to remember, filled with thrilling racing, wonderful hospitality, and a true sense of community. The event showcased the best of what sailing has to offer, exciting competition, mutual support, and a lot of fun.
As the weekend came to a close, there was already talk of next year's event, with sailors eager to return to Worthing for another round of top-tier racing and warm camaraderie.
Image Gallery
Images from the weekend captured by Max (follow him on Instagram: @mlr_captures or @pellinimax) found here (high resolution downloads here) and Paul Seggery can be found here.