Norfolk Punt Championships at the Norfolk Punt Club

by Rachel Clayton 25 Aug 2009 15:14 BST 23-24 August 2009

Norfolk Punts have been enjoying racing on Barton Broad for over 70 years and this year’s Championship was no exception. Sunshine and a south westerly wind strong enough for trapezing greeted the 16 competitors on Saturday but wide variations in strength and direction tested them fully.

Race officer was Peter Bainbridge, Punt veteran and ex champion himself. He set a course which gave no advantage to the different rigs, with the first three in the first race, Swallow ll (William and Robert Daniels), Harnser (James and Paul Jarvey) and Cavender (Robin Slatter and Lesley Haines) flying symmetric, asymmetric and no spinnakers respectively.

In the second race the Jarvey brothers eased into first position on handicap which they held in each of the following races. Behind them came Peregrine (Simon and Rachel Clayton) and then the father and son team of Harry and Huffy Scott in Decoy, another traditional punt without spinnaker. The third race saw a close battle between Harnser and Peregrine on the water with Swallow ll recovering from a slow start to finish second on handicap.

Sunday brought a different set of conditions with a southerly wind gusting up to Force 6 at times. Long beats the length of the Broad were followed by exhilarating runs back, with the brave flying spinnakers and others being more cautious.

There was a large, enthusiastic audience on the Punt Club rafts which was joined by an otter for a while; surfacing several times, examining the inner distance mark and then deciding that planing punts were best avoided. Harnser, Peregrine and Swallow ll enjoyed the heavier winds with Brian Wilkins and Chris Tuckett in Shoveller moving up the fleet with skilful use of their spinnaker.

Behind them several Punts capsized but most managed to complete the course. At the start of the last race Peregrine and Harnser were tied for first place in the Progress Cup. After a close first beat Peregrine capsized at the windward mark and by the time they recovered Harnser had established a clear lead which they maintained, sailing conservatively downwind.

The Jarvey brothers James and Paul had won the Championships but all the crews had had good racing throughout the fleet.

Championship results:
1. Harnser - James and Paul Jarvey
2. Swallow ll - William and Robert Daniels
3. Peregrine - Simon and Rachel Clayton

Trophies:
Progress Cup - Harnser
Cuckoo Cup - Decoy - Huffy Scott
Broads Haven Trophy - Swallow ll
1st Lady helm - Gamecock - Val Khambatta
1st Lady crew - Peregrine - Rachel Clayton
Hardchine trophy - Harnser