Loch Long Championship at Aldeburgh Yacht Club

The White Sail Series (and the beautiful “Stanny Crystal”) was won by Angus Robertson in ‘Cariad’ on countback after a tie with Richard Newman in ‘Jean’.

As usual, the racing was fiercely competitive, the first 7 races being held upriver after midday when there was more water in the river, and owing to a predominantly easterly wind. The conditions for these 7 races were ideal, with lots of sunshine and generally force 3 winds. We did races 8 and 9 on the Home Reach, when the wind had swung into the South, although the strength had increased to force 5 to 6. Congratulations are due to Patrick Gifford, who was OOD for the first 8 races, and Ricky Gillingham, who was OOD for the final race. Very few people were unhappy with the courses, which provided a fair test although one or two spectacular groundings occurred, the unlikely winner of the National Car Park trophy being ‘Whim’, which was so hard aground between Cob Island and Colliers Hole that Simon and James were unable to refloat her.

The OOD’s were backed up by a splendid support staff, including Penny Hamilton-Hawes, Jamie Bruce-Lockhart, Mary Gifford and Ian and Suzie Liddell.

We would not have been able to run the upriver races without the two committee boats, ‘Lady Elizabeth’ from Richard Newman, and ‘Landermere’ with Mick Palmer, and many thanks go to both of them.

I would like to thank AYC for enabling us to host the event, and from the Commodore, Tom Stevens, to the boatmen, the fleet has received excellent support. None more so than from our first rate secretary, David Keates, who got the results sheets out with commendable speed, and was always on hand to ensure things went smoothly.

The Social side seems to have been well received, the brief being to try and create a wide variety of events to achieve more post-race participation. From boules to golf competitions, and from a 1903 Thames Bawley to a fabulous mini concert from Patrick Allan of the “Drifters” and our own Tom Robertson, people seemed to enjoy the various evening entertainments. Sue Allen, ably supported by her catering staff put on an excellent range of delicious food, the highlight being the Anglo/Scottish dinner on Thursday night, and Keith and his helpers managed to keep up with demand behind the bar. Many thanks go to Chrissie Evans for so competently handling the ticketing for all the various events, and her inestimable help behind the scenes.

I would also like to thank Julia Ransome and her daughter, Jo Drury, for so ably taking care of all the clothing items, Peter Brooks for doing the tee-shirts, and all the firms who sponsored races during the week.

Finally, the week would not have been possible without the hard work behind the scenes from the committee, and a huge vote of thanks goes to Jimmy, Binnie, John Mcmurtrie, Alan deVenny, and Alan Macleod, for all their support.

By the way, don’t forget that 2012 is the official 75th Anniversary of our class, and Loch Long Week in July next year will include some fantastic events on the Clyde, including a sail past which promises to be spectacular! With over 50 boats listed in the Loch Long Fleet at Aldeburgh, there will be no excuse for us not sending a considerable number North. Our target is at least 15 boats from AYC. When I know which week it is I will notify the fleet so you can all get it in your diaries.

Thanks to all of you who participated in this year’s Loch Long Week. The early feedback indicates that it was a success, but if anyone can think of ways to make it even better, let me know.

Overall Results: