Eight boats came to the line for the annual CHSC/YSC challenge race. This was the largest fleet to participate for some years, including a first appearance from Vagabond 268 sailing for CHSC.

The promised wind did not appear so the fleet set off slowly, going with the tide on a run down Train Reach. Gradually Brigand and Melody managed to pull ahead and by the time they had reached clear air at Rockland Long Dyke, had established a commanding lead. The rest of the fleet, lead by May, eventually made it to the end of Train Reach and picked up an increasing, although still light breeze for the rest of the first leg to the turn which was just beyond the Beauchamp Arms. By this time Brigand had opened up a substantial lead on Melody. As the fleet started the beat back to Coldham Hall, the tide had turned and all eventually made it back, with some interesting wind shifts adding to the excitement.

Brigand finished first in just over two hours followed by Melody five minutes later and May six minutes later. After that, the rest of the fleet came in over the next half hour. Once the calculations had been done, Kingfisher managed to split Brigand and Melody by taking second place on corrected time. As this was a team event, The YSC Team of Marigold, May, Melody and Kingfisher finished with 18 points, whilst the CHSC Team of Brigand, Bessie Bell, Golden Moon and Vagabond also finished with 18 points, therefore CHSC took the trophy as they had the first place boat. Brigand as winners also took home the Bessie Bell trophy and a polypin of Adnams.

Kevin Rhead