It was one hundred years ago that Rye Harbour Yacht Club was formed with Rye Harbour Sailing Club forming in 1934, and the two amalgamating in later years. I suspect even one hundred years ago there were foolhardy souls who would take to the water in dinghies as soon as possible after Christmas.
There is an argument that the sailors today are less foolhardy: personal protection equipment has come a long way since then; allegedly the sea is warmer than the air in winter; and last Sunday on 18 January, when we had our annual Rum Race, we did have two rescue boats, and a committee boat out on the water!
The race was originally scheduled for January 5, but we were sensible enough to postpone it with winds forecast to be in excess of 30 knots. As the date for the re-scheduled race approached, the race organiser was keeping an eye on the forecast. Winds were predicted to be light, no rain but quite cold. So, we were on.
Things are never that simple! Come the day, a fog had dumped itself over Rye Bay but as the wind got up it cleared enough for reasonable visibility. The race then had to be delayed to allow a cargo ship to sail up the River Rother to the wharf to unload its cargo.
We had eleven competitors including an entry from Hastings and St Leonards Sailing Club. Each dinghy paid an entry fee of £10, raising £110 for the RNLI. Because of the delay caused by the ship and the need to take advantage of high tide, the race started on the river by the club house then going out to sea to follow a standard triangle / sausage course. Light winds made the going slow; to prevent sailors suffering from too much exposure to the cold the course was curtailed, and everyone was back in well before last light.
In the club house, hot food and drinks were available for competitors, friends and members of Hastings Rowing Club who use our facilities over winter. With forty or so people in the club house there was a terrific post-race social atmosphere.
Results for the race were:
1st – Jeremy and Alison Short – RHSC
2nd – Philip and Tristan Blurton – H&SLSC.
3rd – George Short – RHSC.
In this centenary year, the club is upgrading the club house to improve its facilities. The club has a vibrant sailing and social calendar and provides a welcoming environment. More information can be found here.
Image Credits: Kt bruce , John Powell .