Friday afternoon saw a gathering of eight eager
competitors for the Perryman Memorial Race in bright sunshine. What a
change the night brought. The morning was cold with the sort of persistent drizzle
which dampens the soul. The race sheet stayed on Egret to protect it from the
weather and a succession of wet weather gear clad captains trooped aboard to
add their signatures to the log.
The tide was running from well before the first
start and most of the nine competitors made an early start. The last to
leave was Farthing at ten forty. That left one boat who shall be nameless
(sail number 224) tied to the quay at Somerleyton. The race progressed
with light wind and heavy drizzle at a slow but steady pace: run and reach all
the way to Burgh St Peter; then for no clear reason we found ourselves tacking through the
woodland all the way to a very soggy Beccles Amateur SC. There should be
a prize for the sheer endurance and persistence shown by Modwena for their
four hour battle against the elements.
Of the nine boats at Somerleyton in the
morning: one DNS, three DNF and five boats recorded a time. Farthing, with
the advantage of a topsail above the trees, was the only boat to take less
than three hours. She was first on corrected time followed by Wandering Rose,
Tinkerbell, Morning Calm and Modwena.
Many thanks to BASC for timing our race, their
hospitality and their excellent hot sausage rolls.
Bill Clark
