Merrydown Weekend at Ryde Rowing Club

Over the weekend of 11th/12th September, Ryde Rowing Club held its annual two days of sailing races off Appley Beach continuing the tradition started over 50 years ago and being the oldest continuously commercially sponsored sporting event.

On Saturday for The Vena Phillips Cup, the Race Officers Susan Phillips and Chris Harris sent the fleet off in a force 5 south, south easterly twice round Ryde Sands and Seaview. Following excellent racing, the Nacra 18 Infusion with Dougie Wright and Christian Richardson crossed the line first and won on corrected time, with Nacra 17 sailed by Steve Pearce second closely followed by a Dart 18 with David Lloyd and Alice Moore third. Due to heavy rain, the land team was almost as wet as the sailors.

The Merrydown Trophy was competed for on Sunday in sunny weather with two rounds in force 4 - 5 south westerly around marks off Ryde Harbour, Ryde.

Sands and Seaview by boats from the mainland and Island. In ideal conditions Dougie Wright and Christian Richardson won on handicap, with the Shadow of Robin Leather second and Paul Chatfield and Shaun Devoto third on a Tornado.

The Merrydown Aggregate Barrel for the best combined performance over the weekend was won by Dougie Wright and Christian Richardson with David Lloyd and Alice Moore second overall.

Prizes were presented by David Wheeler (Senior member of RRC) on Saturday and by Neville Hill (who has been associated with the race since its inception) on Sunday. Everyone seemed to go home very happy with their weekend.

Throughout the weekend Ryde Inshore Rescue provided cover under Nigel Weaver and Vicky Cotton patrolling Ryde and Seaview in addition to their normal duties. RRC Club President, Ian Lennie, thanked Merrydown plc for their generous support.