Clevedon Sailing Club.

Father and daughter Dave and Jess Herbert won this year’s Clevedon Town Plate.

THIS year’s Clevedon Town Plate pursuit race was won convincingly by Dave and Jess Herbert (420) from PYSC.

Strong south westerly winds and difficult launching deterred all but four boats to take to the water. Holding the lead from their start, father and daughter Herbert soon lost Stuart Tuner (Laser Radial) who retired on the first lap due to gear failure.

Second boat to finish was Martin Gibson and Cordelia Twigge (Tasar) who, despite a few precarious gybes, managed to stay upright for the duration of the race but never found the speed needed.

Even more overpowered was Phil Isaac (Phantom) in third place who, after five capsizes, reaffirmed what he knew already that upside down boats aren’t quick boats.

More sensible sailors joined town council members to watch proceedings from the clubhouse while enjoying tea prepared by committee members Kelly Turner and Lorna Graham.

Prizes were presented on behalf of the town council by the chairman Jon Middleton. Thanks must also go to OOD Trevor Baker, safety boat crew Stewart Edwards and Stewart Holly and the long suffering beach party including Stuart Butter and Anthony and Abbi Ruffle without who the race would not gone ahead.