September Was A Busy Month!
September was very busy month for the club, hosting or organising the Oyster Challenge, the Buckley Goblets, the Autumn Regatta and the Round the Island Race.
Oyster Challenge
On 7th Sept a new event to the sailing calendar the ‘Oyster Challenge’ saw racing for Smacks, Bumkins and MFOBs. The sight on these wonderful boats sailing is not to be missed, and congratulations to the race winners and all participants for their contribution. Following the success of this inaugural event, the Challenge has already been included in the provisional sailing calendar for next year and will be widely publicised.
Buckley Goblets –Success for Oystercatcher XXXV and Golden Fleece
On 13th Sept two boats represented WMYC in the prodigious Buckley Goblets race from West Mersea to Ostend. Oystercatcher XXXV and Golden Fleece skippered by Richard Matthews and Michael Wheeler respectively, finished first and second in the overall standings, and first in their respective classes. Eleven boats made it to start line, and in decent conditions with a 12-14 kt wind, the race itself was quick and predominantly downwind. It is noteworthy that Oystercatcher XXXV broke the course record and was only minutes from breaking the 6-hour mark. This was an excellent result for the club and congratulations to Richard and Michael and their crews. The dinner that preceded the race on the Thursday evening was enjoyable and well attended.
Many thanks to the House staff and the launch team for their flexibility in supporting the event.
Autumn Regatta
The Autumn Regatta was held on 14th&15th Sept. The event was the final keelboat event of the season, with the LH and WS fleets competing for the Autumn Trophy and Finola Cup respectively. Of the ten boats that entered only 8 started, so compared to the previous mini-Regattas a slightly disappointing turnout. However, despite very light conditions on the Saturday, there was some good racing with Mojito (Toby Ramsey) and Clockwise (Jack Davis) taking the honours over the 3-race series.
Round the Island Race
On the 21st Sept, and what may well prove to be the last good weather day of the summer, the 50 boats that entered the RTI race set off in pursuit of the Coconut Trophy. Despite a persistent 10 kt Easterly breeze the sea state was ideal for the race. The usual mix of monohulls, catamarans, Gigs and Kayaks participated giving the many spectators at the Strood a sight of this unique event. The race was won by Brian Lamb in his Wayfarer, follow by Tim Wood, also in a Wayfarer, and narrowly missing out on becoming the first helm to win the race on four occasions. Third was Ben Peter in his F20 Catamaran who completed the course in an impressive 1:16:50. The first male and female U18s home were Mortimer Mastin (4th overall) and Grace Gothard (12th overall). Congratulations to all the winners and those who participated and contributed to a great day. The success of the race relies on a multitude of volunteers both on the water and shoreside, so many thanks to those who done so much to support the event.
DSC Commodores Regatta
DSC Commodores Regatta will be held on Saturday 5th October, one day only – start times: LH 11:25 & WS 11:30. If your boat is still on the water why not join the fun for the last race of the season.
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