Regatta Review & Race Reports posted by Victoria

BRSC REGATTA 2022

What a fabulous Regatta weekend that was; beautifully organised by Lizzie Anders. A terrific turn out of scow and laser sailors, varied sailing conditions, tricky tides and an opportunity for us all to get together, eat a LOT of cake and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Needs Ore Point. Below are the two sailing reports of the consecutive days which vividly bring back the excitement of the weekend.

Photos can be viewed here: https://brsc.site/recent-photos

Saturday, 27th August Day 1 – Race Report from Mike & Molly Doherty

A brilliant briefing from Lizzie and Victoria, reminding us about BRSC’s Corinthian spirit, (and penalty turns), and we were off, expertly platformed by Ginna, David Moore-Gwyn and Carol Hackman with Jay Devonshire as race officer. A big ‘thank you’ to all. We had a new Mark ‘T’ on the far bank near the line, (excellent idea), new labels for our trolleys, (Cassie), and a super helpful shore crew on the slipway, (Peter Bettridge and Kristen Branford).

Already unnerved by this level of organisation, some of us were also a tad queasy about the conditions. Lovely and sunny, but a ripping flood tide, and only a gentle south easterly breeze. A tactical day indeed.

Race 1 started with a fine reach down river to Island. The brave fought for position on the south bank out of the tide helped by clean air and amazingly clear water. You could see every mud bank – only a fool would hit one. Further out in the foul tide and blanketed by the fleet was less successful but twenty odd scows receding colourfully into the distance was a wonderful sight. George N, (plus mini crew), did something clever, led by the second mark ‘T’, and headed back along the north bank before crossing the vicious current to Pigs. Many followed. Some stragglers crossed earlier and were swept back past the Clubhouse. An early drink at the wonderful complimentary bar run by Amanda and Georgie B-B, Jo Cook-Hurle and Pam Bettridge beckoned. It seemed hopeless, but when the fleet came together at Pigs they had caught up a lot. The tide assisted procession to the line was led by George N, Andrew D, Ben S, Nick Burge and Symon Stratton.

Race 2 started with a reach to North Bank. The far side was busy. Unrepentant, we chose mid channel again with a few others. Not so bad now, the tide had eased. A big group came together rounding the first mark and were then hard on the wind to try to make Island. It was tense. The Bonham Carters tacked off first looking threatening. Another busy roundingwith Symon Stratton nipping in front and others pressing hard on the broad reach back to Mark ‘T’. Tacking to Pigs was horribly close, at least 4 boats crossing, with a nail biting drift down on the last of the flood tide to finish. We crossed a comfortable 6 inches ahead of Angela HB and George with Miranda K and Nick Burge there too. Phew. Lunchtime.

Race 3 the wind was now SW, first mark Blackwater, and the Club end of the line popular out of the ebbing tide. We went mid channel, (just no imagination) with Symon, and rounded five lengths ahead. Not enough. We were hunted down on the run to North Bank by a myriad of sails led by Mary MS, Richard Chitty, Angela and Symon. There was a bit of bustle rounding North and heading across to Club. We tacked away on to the mud then crossed on to some more mud by the platform. The leading group ahead looked really close as they rounded Club then Withies. Somewhere George had popped up, (it keeps happening), and just pipped Mary, who did well to hold off Symon. Angela was just behind, continuing her good run.

What a cracking day. I fear we gave the safety boat team nothing to do, but their re-assuring presence was much appreciated.

Sunday, 28th August Day 2 – Race Report from Charles and Ned Nicholson

Sunday brought a fresher, easterly breeze and a second trio of Scow races – one before lunch, then the all-important picnic in the sun followed by two more – the last race being a two-lap marathon, (well, quite a lot longer than the others, anyhow). Many thanks to the platform team – Gerard Downes, Miranda Knowles and Tom Karsten.

With around 20 boats entered, the starts were all exciting, with collisions, gear failure and plenty of OCS, many of which were made more punishing by the difficulty of threading a course back through the fleet.

The strong incoming tide in the first race favoured those daring enough to get close to the south bank of the river and resulted in numerous tight crosses and starboard calls as we jockeyed to get out of the adverse flow.

With the current under the fleet on the downwind legs pushing us into the middle of the river, there were further challenges judging whether to cross ahead or behind the numerous vessels making their way along the river.

The racing was excellent, with interesting courses, (thank you Gerard, CRO), lots of tactical decisions to be made and plenty of opportunity to hit the mud. The front of the fleet included two Chitty’s – Richard’s podiums in the first and last races sandwiching Michael’s 4th in the second race, Peter M-R, Jay Devonshire and Symon Stratton, who was edged out of the second spot on count-back, so very narrowly avoiding this reporting duty.

Mary M-S had another good day, sailing with Henry Nurton, but the day belonged to Henry’s father and sister, George and Clara, with three bullets, (to add to two on Saturday) – a masterful performance, looking untroubled throughout.

As Lizzie pointed out at the prize giving, the regatta involved 40 volunteers, many unsung, and our sincere thanks go to all of them – with a particular thank-you to Victoria B C for her charming and highly competent organisation through the Scow season.

UP RIVER RACE Saturday, 17th September – 1430

Starting Platform Gerry Marling-Roberts

Race Officer Peter Marling-Roberts

Safety Boats Simon Gibbs

Tea Refreshments by kind invitation of Maria Stratton at Friar’s Oak RSVP malystratton@hotmail.com

Trolley Logistics

Bill Osbourne-Young and Vova Karavan have very kindly made themselves available again to help bulk move our trolleys with their ‘Horse-box Trolley Service’. If you’d like to make use of this, please have your boat off and trolley ready to load – horse box will leave Needs Ore for RFF at 1230.

JUNIOR SUMMER REGATTA Saturday, 3rd September RFF

Good luck to all our junior members taking part in our Oppie Regatta this Saturday. We look forward to hearing all about it.

Details from Charlie Bubear : charlie@huttonbubear.co.uk

SCOW NATIONALS Saturday, 3rd & 4th September at RLYC

Good luck too, to those club members representing the BRSC at the Scow Nationals this weekend. Not too late to register.

Details from Jose : lrsca.sec@gmail.com

We very much looking forward to seeing you for our annual Up River Race and after the race, while enjoying Maria’s splendid tea we will have a very special celebration – no spoiler alerts – so I hope as many of you as possible will be able to join us.

Yours aye,

Victoria Bonham Carter
Captain of Scows