In the absence of our usual reporter, here’s the lowdown on todays race.

A fleet of nine boats, with a Whitstable majority, set sail in a gusty westerly.

John Cooper won the race to the windward mark, and although leading the wrong way round the leward mark, worked his way back to up to first for the last lap. Behind the leaders most people took there turn to test the water temperature, some more spectacularly and regularly than others.

As the breeze increased for the last lap, John defended first from a fast approaching Charlie, but was overhauled on the last leg. Roger finished third, infront of Chris.

Yet another good day on (and in) the water at Westbere!