The end of 2021 saw Jeremy and Alison Short take the Reg Blattman Trophy as winners of Summer Series 2 Dingy Races and the Heavy Weather Bowl (for those races on the River Rother when conditions are too severe to sail at sea).
No sooner had that series finished than the Winter Series commenced in November, sailing in Rye Bay. Perhaps we should have taken the Heavy Weather Bowl hint; it was quite a lumpy day, and only two dinghies, sailed by Jeremy and Alison Short and John and Claire Powell, finished the course.
It was with a renewed sense of purpose that the first race of the year; the annual Rum Race, was organised. Because of COVID, the Club last ran this race (which is open to other clubs in the area) in 2020. However, memories are long, and all recalled the fierce winds forcing us to sail on the river, the multiple capsizes, and shivering sailors who were eventually revived with hot soup after the race finished. I should point out here that sailing is fun, safely organised, and there is a real sense of achievement in sailing in such conditions (honest)!
The weather on January 22 could not have been more different; the race officer decided the race could be started on the river between the Clubhouse and Harbourmaster’s office, then take place at sea. Winds were light, the sea was flat, and we had attracted thirteen entries, including some from Hastings & St Leonard’s Sailing Club. Entry fees are charged for this race and £130 was raised which was donated to the RNLI.
Light winds produce their own challenges and four of the thirteen did not finish the course. Despite that, there was some exciting jostling for position with early leaders being overtaken about halfway through the 90-minute race.
After finishing, competitors had to sail up the river in the face of the light wind and outgoing tide to get back to the Clubhouse. Tacking (zig-zagging into wind) against the flow of the water saw dinghies going backward, so the two safety boats and committee boat towed all thirteen back to the Club (to the amazement and amusement of dog walkers on Camber Beach and Rye Nature Reserve).
Results were:
1st – Jeremy & Alison Short
2nd – Scott & Kate Wilkinson
3rd – Hugh Ashford from Hastings and St Leonards Sailing Club
Club President Carey Marsh BEM presented prizes of bottles of Rum to those who came in the top two places. The Social Committee had prepared a welcome hot meal and the bar was open – all in all a good day’s sailing.
The club has a busy sailing and social programme which can be found on the website: www.https//rhsc.org.uk.
There is a talk on April 2 which is open to members of the public that will offer fascinating insights to the voyages of Bob Comlay, who endured harsh voyages to the far south, the Faeroes, Iceland, and Greenland, back in the 1970’s. Containing many unpublished photographs and letters, this talk will bring to life the real experience of voyaging with one of the Twentieth Century’s iconic explorers and sailors.
Anyone interested in attending should email: info@rhsc.org.uk. There is a small charge for food and entry.
Image Credits: John Powell .