Scow Summer Series Hextall Trophy Race 4 12th July 2025 followed by lunch at Gravelly House

Race Officer Mike Doherty, Starter Gerry MR, Safety: June Kirkman, Vova Karavan, Oli Stanley, Lizzie Anders, Cassie Strang

Course: 1p Wp x2

John Morgan Race report Scow race Saturday 12th July


As the tide was not yet in, Mike set a course with the first mark in deeper water down river near
pigs. This meant a beat against a strong incoming tide with a very light breeze.
Those that sailed close to the bank risked going aground, but did best. Mary and Claudia
rounded the mark first as indeed they did every other mark in the race.
There was little excitement until the last leg up to the finishing line, Lindy and I managed to get
close to Mary and when she decided to cross the Chanel with the strong tide, I actually thought
we were in with a chance. I could not have been more wrong as the wind died and we were left
fighting a strong tide on the east bank. Next time I will just follow Mary as she clearly knows
best!
I was not alone in getting this wrong, Ben and Polly; Karl and Simon and Andrew all finished
within a few seconds of us – and at least five minutes behind Mary and Claudia.
A big thank you to Mike for setting a good course and of course to Gerry for organising us all.
With the very light winds the safety boats were not busy, but thanks to June; Volva; Oli; Lizzie;
Cassie and Lila for looking after us.
The race to Gravelly had to be abandoned soon after the start as the wind and tide would not
have got us there in time to fully enjoy the great hospitality put on by Mary and Rupert. Having
the extra time at Gravelly was fully appreciated by all and thank you Mary and Rupert for such a
great event with the great weather you organised.

    Results for the Hextall Trophy Race 4:-

    1. 600 Mary Scott/Claudia Downes
    2. 599 John and Lindy Morgan
    3. 449 Ben and Polly Savage
    4. 421 Karl Liebat/Simons Gibbs
    5. 358 Andrew Duncan
    6. 352 Iain Rawlingson and Jo
    7. 454 Al Fothergill
    8. 464 Alex and Scorpio Slee
    9. 457 Rupert Scott
    10. 510 Edward and Victoria Bonham Carter
    11. 588 Peter Hayward Broomfield
    12. 139 Richard Chitty – did not start

    The Gravelly Race was cancelled due to lack of wind but everyone went by car to Gravelly for an excellent lunch prepared by Mary and Rupert Scott.