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Forty years of the Hunter Class in South Africa celebrated in a most fitting manner.

Nearly FIFTY of these nineteen foot, two-man keelers gathered at LDYC to enjoy four days of sailing, participating in a well-organise event in wonderful company, generously hosted by the folk of LDYC.

Race Officer Rob McCrystal applied his knowledge of the changeable local conditions to good effect in order to get through a programme of seven races in the four days.His experience prevented the fleet from being subjected to the worst of a typical highveld rain-and-wind storm on one of the mornings and from the frustrations associated with bobbing around on the water in windless conditions on other occasions.

At the end of the third day and after six races ( results including a discard after race five ), the results sheet made for interesting reading with three boats having won races at that stage. A first for the class was a national event race win for the all-girl crew of 'Assegaai', Jessica Lenz/Shellee Potts.Cheers were heard from across the fleet as the girls took the bell at the end of their race. They were well-placed in fifth position at this stage.Not to be outdone was last year's runner-up 'Essex Girl' (Paul Changuion/Matt Fleming) in joint second position as they staked their claim with two wins. In a commanding position at the top of the leaderboard was 'Guesswho?', with John Bruckman/Dave Martinson ( Champions in 2006 and 2007) in sublime form as they captured the lion's share of three first position placings.

Also in second place were 'Monkey' (Alex Schon/Rob Edwards) and 'Vaal Valk' (Herbie Carolius/Keith Vennell) as they sailed consistently at the head of the fleet.In the chasing pack, well-known names of other members of the Hunter class hovered with a chance of top positions .'Odin's Eye' (Tony Cockerill/Hank Pike) and 'Baby Blue' (Craig Millar/Mike Sergeson) had enjoyed mixed fortunes. 'Bad News', skippered by last year's Youth winner Luke Wagner (crewed by Reg Ross), enjoyed improving performances in the later races.

All through the fleet, tussles for position had developed as the many participating boats measured their performance in the event
against their closest rivals. Many a tale will be recounted well into the future on some of the incidents that occurred during the sailing of the seven races of the event. Embellished they most probably will be, and their recounting will be matched only by that of the tales of enjoyment while the fleet was off the water.

On to the final day and the sumptious LDYC breakfast witnessed much discussion as to the prospects for the day's racing as the reluctant morning breeze built slowly from the north-east. RO McCrystal had the fleet out to the racing area pretty smartly, ably assisted by members of his mark-laying and support team, in order to make the most of the conditions once again.

The dying wind had the RO shortening course for what was to be the final race of the national event and the bell signalled a good win for the oldest participating Hunter, 'Odin's Eye' (Tony Cockerill), as she crossed the line ahead of 'Guesswho?' (John Bruckman), 'Monkey' (Alex Schon), 'Baby Blue' (Craig Millar) and 'Bad News' (Luke Wagner).

Incoming chairman of the Hunter class, Alex Schon, conducted the prizegiving. He took the opportunity to thank the LDYC committee and staff for the manner in which the club had organised and hosted the event.A benchmark for future events of this nature. Special mention was made of Terrie Pratt and Simon Farrington for the huge effort that they had put in to ensuring the resounding success of the event.The Chairman also took the opportunity to remind those present of the exciting proposals for the future growth and development of the Hunter Class.

Overall Positions:
1. John Bruckman/Dave Martinson -WYAC ('Guesswho?') National Class Champions three years in succession !
2. Alex Schon /Rob Edwards -LDYC ('Monkey')
3. Herbie Carolius/Keith Vennell -DAC ('Vaal Valk')
4. Tony Cockerill/Hank Pike -HMYC ('Odin's Eye')
5. Paul Changuion/Matt Fleming -HMYC ('Essex Girl')
6. Jessica Lenz/Shellee Potts -VCA ('Assegaai')
7. Luke Wagner/Reg Ross -HMYC ('Bad News')
8. Craig Millar/Mike Sergeson - HMYC ('Baby Blue')
9. Simon Farrington/Greg Plunkett - LDYC ('Slippery when Wet')
10.Lester Johnstone/Kai Ackerman -LDYC ('Mickey')

Youth:
1. Tielman Burger Jnr/Dylan Emmett ('Whirlygig')
2. Stephen Wagner/William Crockett ('Sarah')

'Reg Beavitt Memorial Trophy' - Inter club competition:
1. HMYC 'Raiders'
2. LDYC
3. WYAC

Class Chairman's Award - Service to the Hunter Class
Joint Award - Simon Farrington/Terrie Pratt