Seven luggers launched from the beach for last Monday’s race in a gusting North West wind, writes John Mortimore.

There was chaos on the starting line. Scrumpy and Puffin got away clear, but the other five were all crossing the line together. After they had sorted themselves out, all luggers were sailing westwards to the windward mark.

First lugger to the buoy was the Gannet, sailed by Master Mariner Nigel Daniels, who was home on leave. Scrumpy arrived in second place, followed by Puffin.

The Percy Mitchell had to retire from the race because of a broken tiller.

The Gannet was increasing the lead all the time and reached the windward mark during the second round of the race by some distance.

Scrumpy was still in second place with Puffin just behind.

As the race progressed, the Mary came through to overhaul the Puffin for third position.

Meanwhile, the Gannet went on to cross the finishing line well in front of everybody else.

As the rest of the fleet were coming up to the finishing line, the lugger Little Wind, sailed by David Townsend, was unfortunate to catch a gust of wind and capsized. There were no casualties as everybody has to wear a life-jacket. The capsize drill of the Club came into action and all luggers went to their assistance. The Mary towed them ashore.

Results of the Race: 1. Gannet sailed by N Daniels; 2. Scrumpy sailed by G Lockyer; 3. Mary sailed by D Boalch; 4. Puffin sailed by R Driver; 5. Moondance sailed by E Burrows; 6. Sea Witch sailed by P Vine.

Result by Handicap: 1. Puffin.