Spring Series Race 6 and Travellers Trophy Report

Yesterday we hosted the first leg of the ‘Travellers’ Trophy’ at Needs Ore Point and in keeping with true ‘travellers’ style, two scows heroically sailed there and back from Keyhaven to join us. That was not the only thing that impressed us about our visitors; out of the 5 visiting scows, 3 of those took the first 3 podium positions. They were a little mystified by our scratchy ‘local knowledge’, (or lack of!), but they were unanimously impressed with our delicious tea kindly provided by Anna Rostand. Thank you Anna.

RACE 6 REPORT from Tim Robinson

Sailors like to waffle on about the importance of ‘local knowledge’. But this myth was quickly seen off by our visitors who dominated the race, almost from start to finish. It was particularly nice to race with the guest sailors participating in the Travellers Trophy. Long gone are those days of baffling disagreement about differing sail numbering traditions on otherwise entirely identical boats. Those sailing today in Claridge built boats are truly now one friendly fleet from Keyhaven to Beaulieu and beyond.

I have been asked to write the race report – probably because I saw so much more of it than anyone else – from briefly being the first placed BRSC scow to finally limping home with the tail of the fleet. I like to get my money’s worth!

Before the gun, choices were taken as to the preferred side of the river to avoid the worst of the tide, on a little-wind day. I was nervous about being the only boat on the club side for a good while and then relieved when I was joined, in the dying seconds of the countdown, by a number of other sailors, who seemed to know what they were doing. I felt the club side had a little better breeze, although this left those that started there with the main tidal flood to cross.

Peter Marling-Roberts had set a wonderful ‘scenic route’ around the majority of our marks, as if to serve as a reminder of where everything is at Needs Ore, (particularly useful for the fleet recently arrived from the top of the river).

The race proceded around Exbury, Island, North Bank and Pigs. There was plenty of cat-and-mouse swapping of positions with some boats overtaking and others falling back; the light airs causing frustrations and rewarding patience. On the long downwind leg to Withies, some sailors, myself included, attempted to kite their sails to cash in on any extra breath of wind.

On the beat, decisions had to be taken as to whether to short tack down the eastern bank or take in the whole width of the river. Some sailors fared well, clawing their way back up through the fleet, picking off boats one by one in a fine display of windward sailing that eludes me. Indeed many BRSC sailors fought hard for their “moment in the sun” – Mary, Richard, Red, Mike, Charles amongst them. The whole fleet returned ashore with sunshine and smiles on their faces.

After 1 hour and 4 minutes the first boat crossed the line. Top three podium finishers were all Travellers’ Trophy visitors: 1st Jeremy & Maxine Vines; 2nd Nick Griffin & Anne O’Brian; 3rd Angus Raby. The first BRSC members to finish were Red, followed by Richard, Charles and a mere two seconds later, Mike. Thanks to all our guests today: as well as those already mentioned this also includes John Evans, Allan Hill and Nova Milesko.

Anna Rostand presided over wonderful refreshments with egg sandwiches and flapjacks to die for. Thank you Anna.
And thanks too to Peter for setting the course, Gerry for waving the starting flags, Ed, Victoria, Vova and Elizabeth for safety cover, photography and chaperoning duties!

SUMMER SERIES The Hextall Trophy

RACE 1 – Saturday, 24th June 15.00 HT 1610

Starting Platform Frances Robinson

Race Officer Tim Robinson

Safety Boat Team. Lucy Markby. & Peter Bettridge

Tea Race to RSYC CASH BAR !

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

RACE 2 – Sunday, 2nd July 11.00 HT 1043

Starting Platform Gerry Marling-Roberts

Race Office Andrew Duncan

Safety Boat Team 2 Slots to fill

Tea Kindly hosted by Benji & Christian Scrimgeour

RACE 3 – Saturday, 8th July 15.30 HT 16.17

Starting Platform Frank McGinn

Race Officer Victoria Bonham Carter

Safety Boat Team 2 Slots to fill

Tea Kindly hosted by John & Carol Hackman

Very much look forward to seeing you next Saturday at 15.00 for the first race of the Summer Series sailing to RSYC. Don’t forget your change!

Yours aye,

Victoria Bonham Carter
Captain of Scows