Honour Restored

RYS v RTYC Annual Team Racing event, Cowes 11th & 12th June

Since the purchase of the J/80s the RYS and RTYC have had a friendly three-boat team racing event arranged in early June when the boats are down in Cowes. After being comprehensively beaten by the RYS in 2010 the Thames restored their honour with a victory in 2011. Clearly our programme of winter sailing and training has paid dividends.

Saturday dawned sunny but with little wind but a forecast to increase as the day went on. The Thames team comprising; Richard Hill (captain), William Edwards Olly Dix, Charlie Esse, Anthony Esse, Bernard Kinchin, Charlie Lowe, Judith Sasse and Paul Weeden arrived at the Squadron pavilion for a briefing on the weekend's activities.

As the wind was due to get up on the Sunday we were not sure if we would be able to race over both days so Jamie Sheldon of the Squadron planned a best of 7 races on the Saturday and depending on time available and perhaps stretching this to a best of 9 races if time allowed. We agreed to review the weather on Saturday night and make a decision on any further races on the Sunday based on the updated forecast that evening. The teams were then rigged and towed to Osborne Bay.

Under the direction of PRO Peter Hunter assisted by Jenny Hunter in the Committee boat a square course was set up, sails hoisted and racing commenced just before mid day.

The Thames got off to a good start with a win but the Squadron came back quickly to equalise the score. Three more wins to the Thames put them in a good position but the Squadron came back strongly in races 6 and 7 giving the Thames only a one race lead after 7 races. However time was ticking away and with the wind increasing the racing was curtailed with a win to the Thames. The teams returned to the squadron for drinks before departing for a very convivial evening hosted by the Sheldons at Kings Manor.

Sunday dawned wet and windy but the forecast for the predicted further increase in wind strength and torrential rain appeared to be slipping back to the afternoon which allowed for a best of 5 races to be held in the morning. So with reefed mains we again headed off to Osborne Bay in the building wind.

Again the Thames got off to a good start with a close-fought race and a win and again the Squadron came back strongly in the second race and all was equal after two races. The Thames however dominated the next two races in the strengthening breeze and with three wins the match was won and the boats and crews returned to Cowes for a well earned drink and lunch.

Final Scores were:

Saturday 11 June - best of 7 races. Light airs building to force 3. Final score RTYC 4: RYS 3.

Sunday 12 June - best of 5 races. Force 4 - 5. Final score RTYC 3: RYS 1.

Our thanks go to all at the Squadron who helped with a thoroughly successful and enjoyable event.