Bembridge Sailing Club Late May Keelboat Racing
by Robin Joy & Mike Samuelson 2 Jun 05:41 BST
30-31 May 2026
Saturday by Robin Joy
The lightest of zephyrs from the unreliable north, and as it was only a few days after a busy bank holiday, meant that there were no Redwing takers for Saturday's racing. Three solo One-Design sailors were however keen, and Simon Allocca (No 1), Mark Hodkinson (No 9), and Hugh Doherty (No 10) drifted off the moorings to Under Tyne for an 11.30 start. The ROs were not optimistic that the 5kt breeze would last, so a simple windward and back course was set. Britten would have been a perfect windward mark, but as it is still ashore the rarely visited tidal gauge was used instead. With only three boats, and so little wind, the start was uneventful, with Hugh leading the way offshore on port tack.
Start of Race 1 on Saturday
The 180 degree wind shift which changed the latter part of the run into a beat didn't produce any upsets, and Hugh won from Mark, with Simon third.
The short first race took nearly an hour, so race two was a "mini" race, with a running start in the new gentle southerly, down to Footprint, then back to finish at Under Tyne. Mark was very cautious at the start, and trailed the other two by a minute or so, but after what looked to the ROs like some navigation misunderstandings at the leeward mark over which way to round it, he managed to pass Simon, and very nearly catch Hugh, who was again the winner.
Sunday by Mike Samuelson
The breeze was stronger (Westerly up to 15 knots) and much steadier than the previous day, however there was enough variation to make racing 'interesting' for the three Redwings and three One-Designs who made their way to the start area off Fitzwilliam. The initial course was a simple windward - leeward with Garland as the windward mark to avoid crossing with the Gig Festival course between Silver Beach and St Helens Fort, and Moreton as the leeward mark. Rather ambitiously it was three times round to finish at Garland for the Redwings and twice for the One-Designs. Both classes had good starts with all boats crossing the line reasonably close together.
Start of the Redwing race
Start of the One-Design race
However, by the time the Redwings reached Garland, Jockey Wilson in Quail had established a considerable lead over Robin Ebsworth in Quintessence and Rosie Sym and family in Musicus. Meanwhile Richard Coleman helming single-handed in No 10 One-Design had established a similar lead by staying out over Tad Ross single-handed in No 8 and Hugh Doherty, also single-handed in No 1 who both went inshore. The long beat in from Moreton proved quite testing as the breeze flicked either side of west. Not surprisingly Quail rounded Garland for the second time still well ahead of Quintessence and Musicus. As they were so well spread out, the leeward mark was changed to Fitzwilliam and then to Under Tyne for their final round. Despite finishing two and a half minutes behind Quail, Quintessence was all smiles when she crossed the line. And, although a long way back, it was great to see young Freddie Sym (aged 9) helm Musicus for the last beat. Another trophy for Jockey - this time Mrs Collins Decanters.
By the time the One-Designs rounded Garland for the second time, Richard in No 10 was still well ahead, but Hugh in No 1 had exchanged places with Tad in No 8 after the latter had risked all by heading inshore again hoping to take advantage of the inshore current. Not a good move! Like the Redwings their course was changed for their second round with Fitzwilliam as the leeward mark. Richard was not for beating and finished 4 minutes ahead of Hugh.
Next Saturday afternoon the Redwings have their Edwardian Race for the Bembridge Harbour Trophy; ideally the course uses as many of the pre-war buoys as possible with crews suitably attired! The One-Designs meanwhile will be racing for the Oppenheim Trophy with their first race on Friday afternoon.