Match Racing with the Hunter 707's

Overcast skies, gusty winds, choppy seas and some sore heads provided an ominous setting for the RTYC match racing undertaken on the 13th of September in Hunter 707's. The proximity of Osborne beach/house provided a fantastic backdrop for some excellent racing for the 13 Thames members and guests with the irrepressible John Terry providing himself and his RIB for umpiring.

Members of all ages reflecting the diversity of the club attended, starting with 6 races allowing the four helms to race each other in a round robin competition, culminating with a best of three final. The day began with a briefing at UKSA in Cowes where the 4 helms and 3 sets of crew were sent off into mixed conditions.

The course was set up only 40 metres from the beach with a standard two laps of an upwind/downwind course. The quietness of Osborne bay was soon replaced by the usual mix of anchored cruisers trying to get as close as possible for a good view, one competitor noticing the build up of cruisers, commented this may not be normal for a match racing course, yet added an extra challenge for the racers to contend with. The cruisers, adding to this challenge, became more involved than they perhaps intended to. Some excellent helming by William Edwards and Olly Dix albeit on separate occasions, used the cruisers to force an advantage with one helm, whom shall remain nameless, heading bow first into an anchored boat. Fortunately the owner had a good sense of humour, and it was more a case of a bruised ego than boat.

The day finished with a tense best of three final between Richard Hill and Henry Arnold finishing with a deserved victory for Richard Hill. William Edwards and Olly Dix raced once more to decide third place finishing with a victory for William Edwards.

Prize giving was hosted on the roof terrace of the fantastic Commodore's House, with its panoramic views of Cowes and the central solent, kindly provided by John Terry and his wife Jane. The prize for first helm went to Richard Hill, and best crew went to Sue Kent Amelia Boadle and Tom Kinver.

The competitiveness of racing bodes well for the proposed J80 match racing series next year at Queen Mary Reservoir and Cowes, where hopefully more members of the club will partake in the competition to challenge themselves and others.