Bembridge Redwing Poole Fleet Year Review

The Bembridge Redwing 'Kestrel' racing at Poole © Henry Thorpe

3 Series and 3 Winners

In the mid eighties a fleet of classic Bembridge Redwings were brought and taken to Poole as new GRP boats of similar design were introduced at Bembridge alongside some of the existing yachts. They operated as corporate charters to varying degrees of success. These boats were brought by individual owners during the summer of 2005 and have had a season with the new owners gradually taking to the water in their new boats. The boats are very grateful to continue sailing out of Lake Yard in Poole Harbour. All the redwings are built by Camper and Nicholson between 1938 and 1950.

A very interesting couple of series were run with Robin and Heather Culpan showing the way forwards as soon as the boat hit the water. However by the end of the series Harlequin, Svalan and Redwitch had shown some potential. The Sunday series was won by Robin and Heather Culpan in Snowgoose with the Wednesday series being won by Stephen Chambers and Penny Relph aboard Harlequin, which was the only boat to complete every race during the 2005 series. The October Series started afresh with 7 boats starting the series. However, the series turned into a two horse race between Harlequin and Redwitch. Roderick and Henry Thorpe eventually won the series with a strong showing on the last weekend after a number of very tight finishes, where results came down to the final 100 yards

The Poole Fleet looks forward to a great 2006 with sailing starting in early April. We look forward to welcoming the remaining 4 inactive classic boats into the fleet next year. With a planned racing program running to the end of the October with highlights including Poole Week and a trip to Cowes to race against the Bembridge based fleet after a hard winter of maintenance.

For further information on the Poole Redwing Association Please Contact Penny Relph at prelph@kfa.co.uk

Sunday October Series Results

Mid Week Series

Summer Sunday Series

August Bank Holiday Weekend