Up River Race – 26th September 2026
- Race Officer – June Kirkman
- Starter – Gerry Marling-Roberts
- Safety1 – Sam van Holthe and Cassie Strang
- Safety 2 – Charlie and Alice Bubear
- Safety 3 – Annabel Liebat and Imogen Mavor
- Thank you to Vova for moving all the trolleys
- Mary Montagu-Scott
- Karl and Zoe Liebat
- Lizzie Anders
- Charles Nicholson
- Darren
- Red and Cleo Johnson
It was a lovely day for drifting on the Beaulieu River, but with barely any wind, helms had to focus on catching light gusts, making the most of the last of the tide and then avoiding the ebb. Twelve boats set out for Rope Factory Field. Only Ben Schilito and his family reached it without a tow, after some strenuous rowing; the others succumbed at various stages. The fleet stayed tightly packed, with some boats becalmed while others found a gust. Karl and Zoe led the early legs, but Mary and Claudia passed them on the outside line around the corner just before Bucklars Hard. At the designated 12.30 cut-off, those waiting upriver were eager to cook the sausage rolls, so a finish line was set. Six boats reached it before towing began.
A big thank you to all the safety-boat crews who provided tows. It was wonderful to see younger sailors taking part in the Dories, along with one Feva. We are sorry we could not provide the waiting crowd with the usual colourful spectacle but the sunny day on the river made it all worth while.
Thank you to the Stratton family for their amazing hospitality. A great greeting for the sailors even if they arrived under tow.
There are more photos in the photo section. Click here.