Liz who looks after publicity for the club sends us this report:
The event was run in conjunction with the local rowing club, supported by the Maritime Volunteer Service and Sea Cadets. We also welcomed visitors from Thornbury Sailing Club to take part in our Dinghy Race weekend, running alongside the Gravesham Regatta.
A total of eleven Dayboats and Wayfarers took to the Thames on Saturday for the long distance race and Sunday for our two back to back races. With the club’s cannon back in working order all races literally started with a bang! The sun shone all weekend and with a fresh easterly wind all the competitors were able to make the most of the conditions as they tacked, gybed, and rounded marks.
There were a few near misses with the word ‘Starboard’ audible, as the dinghies jostled for position, especially at the starting line. Not only did the dinghies have to look out for each other but also the rowing clubs boats, who were also racing! It was a very busy weekend on the Thames!
The Deputy Mayor visited the club on Saturday alongside local councillors and on Sunday our friends from the RNLI arrived on their rib and popped in for a chat and of course the obligatory cup of tea.
Harriet Davies-Mullan, the club’s commodore led the prize giving, firstly thanking all those volunteers that assisted and organised this super weekend. Then the prizes were handed out: Third place Tim Parkinson on Avocet, second Jeff Honey on Phoenix and the overall winner after three races was Richard Twyman on Hazy Daze. Congratulations to all the winners and those who took part.
Harriet commented: ‘It was a brilliant weekend, demonstrating the wonderful community atmosphere we have at our club. Gravesend Sailing Club was pleased to take part and this was reflected in the positive comments from the local Mayor about our club. It was definitely a weekend to remember.’
This weekend was a huge success at Gravesend Sailing Club and we look forward to the next Gravesham Regatta.
Interested in sailing? Check out the club’s event calendar on the website and pop down to visit. Everyone is welcome. The club is an RYA Recognised Training Centre and offers training, cruising and racing for dinghies and yachts.
