2007 Blakeney Regatta at Blakeney Sailing Club
by David Brief 25 Aug 2007 10:51 BST
18-19 August 2007
Blakeney Sailing Club’s Regatta marked the end of the traditional week of holiday sailing. The Regatta – a pursuit race - has been run since the 1920s and is a none too serious event which is nevertheless keenly contested.
The race starts in the Cut - a 50 yard wide very tidal channel to the harbour with moored boats along both banks. Competitors have to start from the bank in “Le Mans style” and have the tactical choice of choosing their bank. The start given the confined space usually results in chaos, capsizes and collisions.
This year was no exception with the southerly wind meaning that most boats began by going the wrong way before gybing to run down the channel. Those who chose the less favoured leeward bank this year avoided the carnage and did well.
Once the start is negotiated, the race is basically down the harbour and back. On Saturday, in a good 15mph breeze, the mixed fleet of 47 boats from 60 year old Blakeney One Designs, Cockles, Oysters and all varieties of dinghies had an exciting broad reach and fetch back. A perfect antidote to Friday’s annual hog roast!
Sunday yielded the same conditions but in a lighter and shiftier breeze. First home on Saturday was Simon Dabson (Laser) with Amy Robinson sailing brilliantly to come second in her Laser 4.7.
Sunday saw a victory for tradition, Joe Carr taking line honours in Fiducia – a venerable clinker built day boat. As the results show, over the years the number of trophies has grown so that it almost matches the size of the fleet!
Saturday's results:
Fast: O.Short (Buzz)
Medium: S Dabson (Laser)
Slow Handicap: A Robinson (Laser 4.7)
Ladies: L Furniss (Laser 4.7)
Under 18s: H Jones (Laser Radial)
Singlehanders :A Bassett (Laser)
Local Classes: Anon (Cockle)
Sunday's results:
Fast : R Beavis (Phantom)
Medium: E Sidgewick
Slow: J Carr (Fiducia)
Under 18s O. Short (Buzz)
Singlehanders: A Bassett (Laser)
Local Classes: D Woodcock (BOD)