Summer Series Race 1

SUMMER SERIES The Hextall Trophy

Over the next few weeks we will be running a series of races for the Hextall Trophy. I’ve always wondered why it’s called the ‘Hextall’ Trophy and discovered recently that the cup was presented to the club by John and Jane Hextall who lived at Little Salterns in the 1970’s and were great supporters of BRSC. Their children Pushie and Justin were taught by Bunny Borthwick.

RACE 1 Saturday, 24th June 15.00 HT 1610

Briefing 14.30

Starting Platform Frances Robinson

Race Officer Tim Robinson

Safety Boat Team Lucy Markby & Peter Bettridge

Tea Race to RSYC CASH BAR !

For those of you that didn’t receive Tim’s race report, here it is again:

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!

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

RACE 2 – Sunday, 2nd July 11.00 HT 10.43

Starting Platform Gerry Marling-Roberts

Race Office Andrew Duncan

Safety Boat Team 2 Slots to fill

Tea Kindly hosted by Benji & Christian Scrimgeour RSVP

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 RSVP

NEST UPDATE

Good news! The oystercatcher in the boat park started to hatch on Wednesday and we are hoping that they will move the chicks in the next couple of days before Saturday’s race. The Ringed Plover in the car park area, (fenced off area), is still active so please keep clear.

Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday for what will be another very hot day on the river. Remember cash for bar at RSYC!

Victoria Bonham Carter
Captain of Scows