Blackwater Sailing Club Celebrate in Style
by Christine Brown 1 Jul 2022 10:36 BST
30 May - 3 June 2022
Blackwater Sailing Club celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in style © Anna Lau
Blackwater Sailing Club enjoyed a fantastic week celebrating the 70th anniversary of the accession of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and marking her wonderful achievement of 70 years on the throne.
During the week of 30th May til 3rd June our growing fleet of Mirrors joined the Sprites for their annual racing week. 8 Sprites competed with the overall winners being David Nichols and Christine Mills. An impressive 18 Mirrors entered with the overall winners Julie Nelson and Kiley Gooch.
On 2nd and 3rd June we held a Platinum Jubilee Series race. There was \ light to moderate winds on day one and particularly challenging Force 4 - 6 winds on day two that tested out the heavy weather skills of both racers and rescue crews. 19 boats entered the main fleet with terry Crook the overall winner. The Short Series was contested by 17 boats and was won by Andy and Florence Pickering. Usual Club racing took place on Saturday and Sunday.
On June 3rd, the warmest day of the Jubilee holiday, over one hundred members enjoyed a Platinum Jubilee Street Party. The Club was bedecked with flags and bunting, long rows of tables were decorated. Members brought along tea party goodies and a sumptuous banquet was partaken.
The best Jubilee hat competition was keenly contested and won by Jan Nuttall. Meanwhile, various games were organized for the youngsters.
The busy week was rounded off with a highly successful Optimist Open Meeting for the Cadets. The Force 5 - 6 winds proved particularly challenging for the main fleet who had a committee boat start to the East of Northey Island. The 19 entrants that included 5 visitors took part in five exhilarating races with BSC's Hugh Andrews being the clear winner. Due to the extremely high winds the Regatta fleet held their races on the lake with Daniel Hall claiming victory.
Later in the month an Armada of twelve boats with 25 BSC members on board took part in a four day Cruiser rally to Ramsgate and Sandwich in Kent. Despite blustery conditions on the first day (and a few pale faces) the fleet safely negotiated the sandbanks of the Thames to reach the safety of Ramsgate harbour and the hospitality of the Royal Temple Yacht Club. A wide range of cruisers took part in the event, ranging from a 30 foot Oceanis to a 20 foot Harrier. The highlight of the trip was the passage across Pegwell Bay and the run up to Sandwich quayside, passing dozens of seal pups basking in the sunshine.
If you would like more information about Blackwater Sailing Club please see our website blackwatersailingclub.org.uk