STEVE and Katie Restall claimed the Siemssen Trophy at the Downs Sailing Club at Walmer. The format was three short races back to back, and the early morning sunshine and gentle breeze attracted a good entry of 19 boats.

In the first race the RS400 of Richard White, crewed by Sarah Styles, pulled out a good lead, followed by Simon Cory and Annie Smith, who were close enough to beat them on handicap.

There was a close battle between the Buzzes of Steve Restall and John Cass, with Steve pulling ahead just before the finish to take third place.

Frank Catt in his new RS300 was going well, keeping in touch with the faster boats as was Chris Shelton in his Phantom. Chris Stubbs was leading the group of Laser 2000s.

The wind increased slightly for the second race, allowing the Buzz crews to trapeze, again.

Richard White finished first on the water, but the slower boats were closer behind and just at the finish the wind strength began to increase substantially.

Steve and Katie Restall took first place, followed by Simon and Annie with Richard White in third.

By the start of the third race the wind had increased to a Force 5 with an occasional gust of 6.

About half the fleet decided to retire to the shore, but a hardy few remained to contest the final race.

On the first broad reach the fast boats hoisted their spinnakers and flew downwind, but the reach became too tight leading to a capsize for Simon Cory and Annie Smith, with Richard White dropping his spinnaker to make the mark.

The Laser 2000 of Chris Stubbs was going well and kept in touch with the faster boats.

However, at the finish it was Steve and Katie Restall who took the race and the Siemssen Trophy.

Simon recovered well from the capsize to take fourth place behind Tony Cook in a Contender.

Results: 1 Steve & Katie Restall (Buzz), 2 Simon Cory & Annie Smith (Buzz), 3 Richard White & Sarah Styles (RS400).