Larks at the Waldringfield Cartoon Trophy

Larks at the Waldringfield Cartoon Trophy 2022 © Alexis Smith

A joyous weekend of sailing and socialising was held on the sunny Suffolk coast for Waldringfield's Cartoon Trophy weekend on 10th/11th Sept, where each class winner actually wins a framed cartoon from the famous local cartoonist, Peyton.

Weekend kicked off with Friday evening's welcoming BBQ hosted by members of the growing Lark fleet. Visiting sailors and locals alike, ate burgers, drank the local beers and exchanged views on how the weekend's racing would pan out.

Saturday started with the club's Red Ensign at half-mast and a minute's silence held in tribute to HM The Queen, prior to briefing on Saturday.

In an effort to share more of the River Deben than usual, the RO set the windward mark at the Club's furthest up-river fixed racing mark at Methersgate Quay. It was to be an epic windward leg, but sadly the wind duly backed, making the first leg into a long close hauled one on port and largely a straight line speed contest. Chris and Cathy Fish led from the start and hung on until returning past the Club; however, the presence of other classes and Matthew White/ Marion Enkle pressing to starboard, allowed Harry Pynn/ Gemma Cook, sailing lower, to pass to port by the next mark and then extend a lead to the finish.

Larks at the Waldringfield Cartoon Trophy 2022 - photo © Alexis Smith

The second race started following the only general recall of the weekend (the other fleets obviously weren't trying hard enough!), the early advantage was taken by Matt & Marion by tacking early off the start line to stay in the flood current on the east side of the river. While they proceeded to extend to a large lead, behind Nigel Hufton/ Ed McArdle, with greater directional awareness, overtook the Fishes on the second leg, only to lose out later to another 90 degree wind shift on the penultimate leg. The race was shortened at the windward mark (notwithstanding Matt & Marion had already passed) before the wind died and other classes timed-out Overnight there was a two-way tie on points with Matt & Marion leading by dint of the win.

Even the most local of locals were pessimistic about the prospect of sailing on arrival at the Club on Sunday morning, as there was no wind and fog! So teas were brewed, bacon was put under the grill and boats were being bimbled. There were teasing puffs, then nothing. Then suddenly it filled in. Boat bimbling had to stop, time for racing, and what a race it was in the shifty southerly, with close racing through the fleet right to the end!

The second beat to Galleons was the classic one - against the flood tide with short tacking on the Hemley side before a tricky tack across the strongest tide. By the last lap though, the tide had changed and the ebb had really kicked in. The Fishes and Harry & Gemma had gained a small lead over Matt & Marion in third on the last beat and went on to have a close match race off-wind, swapping the lead three times before the finish. In the end, an unfortunate error at the last mark by Harry & Gemma let the Fishes take the win by half a boat length.

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable weekend was had by all, which could not have happened without the hard work of the volunteers at Waldringfield Sailing Club and the mix of friends from far and near.

Overall Results: