The second day of the regatta was greeted with much enthusiasm from new and experienced members alike, a wide variety of boats joined in to the make racing a lot of fun. The day came with a little bit more wind. Forecasts of heavy winds and ran proved inaccurate but while the rain held off members were still sailing in light winds but made the most of it with some fun racing.
Rowers from Greenwich Yacht Club made the most of the tide to sail down river to Erith in the morning and use the incoming tide to get back to Greenwich later in the day.
After a briefing in the clubhouse at 11am cruisers were racing at 12:30 on a course upriver from the club. Visiting Cruisers from Greenwich Yacht Club joined those from Erith in the race.
Dinghy racing was divided into two groups with newer sailors on a short course outside the moorings while experienced sailors used to the full width of the river and contended with the challenges of playing the tide and eddie coming together at the start and finish lines.
Club Bosuns, a member’s Laser 2000 as well as range of Club Lasers, Toppers and Picos were taken out on the river by members who have been practicing in our MAST and JYS Youth sailing sessions. Some Prospective Members who were new to sailing and are booked to do their RYA Level 1 course in October joined members on the water crewing with more experienced helms.
We managed to get in two dinghy races for both groups.
In the second race with two Bosun’s crossing the line within seconds of each other. One was in front, but suddenly the other caught a bit of wind and crossed the line overtaking allowing Nick and Jo The great thing about the handicap system is you can finish a race be in the bar and a slow boat then beats you because of the handicap. Race officer decision is final.
While members enjoyed a feast of tea and cake in the bar our Race Officer and Sailing Secretary was busy upstairs in the Race office compiling Race Results for the Regatta. With those in hand we had a relaxed Prize Giving in the bar afterwards with medals and cups for winners and cheers all around for everyone that took part and all those that worked to make the weekend possible.
We were so pleased the whole weekend went so well, albeit a little exhausting, and glad to the club at its very best. With such an amazing group of volunteers, we hope more new members will remember the weekend as the start of some life long friendships at the club.
September sometimes can be thought of as the start of the end of a season of sailing but with so much fun being had at our wonderful club everyone seemed very keen to keep sailing, learning , making new friends and getting involved in the volunteering side of the club in the months ahead!