Junior Bourne End Week at Upper Thames Sailing Club
by Sue Markham 7 Jun 2008 07:58 BST
29-31 May 2008

Heaps of fun was had by all during Junior Bourne End Week © Sue Markham
The stream was strong and the wind was almost non-existent, but heaps of fun was had by all. The children were given a special JBEW 2008 t-shirt to wear, sponsored by P1 Powerboats. Other sponsors included Laser Performance, Craftinsure, Crewsaver and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.
The regatta was opened by The Stig’s cousin, a man of no words and few facial expressions. After a very one sided interview he completed a rather slow lap in a reasonably priced boat (Laser Pico). Only a couple of challenges to his lap time were made before the wind disappeared, but both were faster.
Fun races involved every one of the 60+ children present squeezed into one dinghy or another. Then things got serious, with the first race of what was intended to be a four race series to find the successor to last year’s Junior Bourne End Week Champion – Alex Hobern of UTSC. He finished the race in first place, on the water and on handicap. As it turned out, the series was reduced to just one race, due to the non-existent wind, so Alex retained his title.
Other fun activities included the Treasure Hunt and Topper Stepping Stones, Bangers and Mash supper, Pizza night and disco.
Overall Results:
1st Alex Hobern (UTSC)
2nd Mark Whitfield (Wraysbury Lake SC)
3rd Becky Collen (UTSC)