Beer Regatta Day- Beer luggers get close during the racing.; Photo by Simon Horn Ref shb 8586-32-10SH

LAST Monday it was decided to sail a pursuit race, which is a race of one hour with all the luggers on a handicap, writes John Mortimore.

Boats with the lowest handicap started first. There is a signal after 60 minutes and the first boat to the next mark is the winner. There was a moderate southerly wind blowing on a lumpy sea when seven luggers launched from the beach.

First away was the Katherine, followed by Little Wing and Puffin. Moondance, Scrumpy and Mary came next with the Percy Mitchell away last. They all completed the first round of the race in that order, except Moondance who fell behind Scrumpy and Mary.

During the second round Katherine still held the lead from Little Wing. Scrumpy had increased her lead from Mary. Puffin had some gear failure and lost the use of her mizzen sail.

As the race continued, Scrumpy went through to claim second position with the Katherine still ahead.

Going to the windward mark in the fourth round Scrumpy overhauled the Katherine to take the lead.

When the signal sounded at 60 minutes, Scrumpy held on to first place and crossed the line in pole position.

Results: 1, Scrumpy – G Lockyer; 2, Katherine – M Diplock; 3, Little Wing – D Townsend; 4, Mary – D Boalch; 5, Percy Mitchell – K Gosling; 6, Moondance – G Pook; 7, Puffin – R Driver.