River Hamble Combined Clubs Regatta

Chris Fuller the 2009 'Cock of the river' picking up a trophy from River Hamble Combined Clubs Chairman Chris Gillingham © Kathleen Hand

The 2009 River Hamble Combined Clubs (RHCC) Regatta was held on the evenings of July 15th–17th. The RHCC was established to co-ordinate the activities and resources of the four clubs sited on the Hamble River; to encourage inter-club sport and run some racing at a modest cost for all-comers, especially the young.

The River Hamble Directory, published annually, is the copyright of RHCC. The Directory is the official publication given by the Harbourmaster to visiting yachtsmen and it has helped provide funds for RHCC annual regattas as well as making donations to the member clubs and other local good causes.

This year’s regatta, once again generously supported by ExxonMobil, was extended to include races for keelboats as well as dinghies. Keelboats joined the regular Wednesday evening races at Hamble River Sailing Club (HRSC). On Thursday the keelboats were invited to join the Warsash Sailing Club (WSC) Pursuit race. The Dinghy Regatta run by the RHCC committee consisted of 6 races over the three evenings. Juniors had their own race in the river.

The weather provided some exciting sailing with blustery conditions, gusting to 25-30knots on Wednesday and Friday and by contrast on Thursday very little wind and a thundery downpour, a typical English July! The rescue boat crews were kept busy looking after the dinghies and on Wednesday a collision at the start of the Class 2 race resulted in the sinking of The Flying Fish (Laser 28) famous for her role in the ‘Howard’s Way’ TV programme; a disaster for owners Kathy and Rupert Smalley; fortunately all crew were safe and The Flying Fish has been raised. Kathy and Rupert are looking forward to the day when she is re-launched. The three prize giving evenings at HRSC and WSC were jolly occasions with lots of prizes and much good humour between the competitors.

Overall Results:

Wednesday
Class 1, Jack Purdy Challenge Cup, Sea Biskit, R Pritchard
Class 2, Riverside Park Cup, Feeling Rough, W Stowe
Class 3, Phillip Davis Challenge Trophy Fritha, B Allen
XOD, Hamble River Times Trophy, not sailed

Thursday
Cruiser, Pursuit Cup, Love in a Mist, M Donald
Sporty, Pursuit Cup, Feeling Rough, W Stowe

Dinghy Results
Fast, The Tramps Trophy, Laser 2000, C Fuller
Slow, The Ivor Creek Trophy, RS Feva, A Kay
Juniors (under 13), Jake Vintner

‘Cock of the River’ was won by Laser 2000, C Fuller

More information at www.riverhambleregatta.org.uk