It would seem that dull and breezy is standard Reedham
Regatta weather and this year was no exception, but at least it stayed dry and
was not too cold. The first race on Saturday afternoon was on a course up
to Hardley Mill, then back downriver for three loops before returning to the
Ferry to finish. There was a fair bit of tacking, but fortunately enough
wind for this to be achievable for all, even against the ebb tide.
Quite a few boats were showing off their anti-foul, not
least Anne, who eventually lost control at the top mark and couldn't turn until
they were in a shallow bay, from whence they pirouetted and sailed up the
bank. Marigold managed to visit the reedbed at the bottom mark, but all
others completed the course safely, if not quite in one piece - Pandora's
forestay block failed just after the start, but John decided he didn't need a
forestay, as long as the jib stayed up.... With Anne out of contention,
the race was left open for Jessie May, who beat Anna into second place by just
17 seconds.
After the presentation of the Harriet of Reedham Trophy, a
number of members enjoyed meals in the pub and some pleasant socialising
afterwards. The Secretary was in a particularly happy mood, having found
and drunk one of the raffle prizes! (by agreement and it was replaced).
A loop was inserted into Sunday morning's passage race up
to Buckenham, mostly in order to give enough time for the committee boat,
Pelican, to get there first in order to time the boats in. Anne stormed
round in only 75 minutes and took first place, pushing the Branscombes into
second again, this time by 21 seconds. Jessie May was unable to add to
their win owing to their tiller breaking in two, thereby putting an end to their
racing, but fortunately without causing any other damage.
After lunch at the Beauchamp Arms (cheesy chips seemed to
be popular) the fleet set off for the return leg downriver. Some had
reefed after the exertions of the morning, but perhaps didn't need to as the
wind had eased slightly. With high tide mid way through the race,
conditions favoured the slower boats of the second start for a change and this
was clearly shown in the results. Marigold and Lucky Breeze, the two
slowest in the fleet, match raced each other all the way downriver, with an
inconveniently placed motor boat at the end nearly costing David the race; but
in the event he crossed the line two seconds ahead of the Russells and won both
that particular tussle and the entire race.
Anne could do no better than fourth, which was not quite
enough to prevent the Branscombes winning the overall trophy for the weekend
with their two second places. After the prize-giving, Bob then took charge
of the raffle and managed to arrange it so that all the club officers won
prizes!
Nine boats got at least one result from this weekend and
they are now the only ones who are potentially eligible for the Diamond Jubilee
Trophy this year. As we had three different winners and four other yachts
gained at least a 4th place, this series is currently wide open, as is the
general club championship. A good start to the season.