Boxing Day Bash 2022 in aid of the RNLI
Published 20:08 on 31 Dec 2022
In perfect conditions for a Boxing Day 'blow', there were no losers in this year's Regatta. The main winner without doubt is the RNLI, with entry fees of £234 going towards the vital lifesaving work ofthe charity at the heart of all who sail.
There were no losers among the thirty-two sailors in twenty boats: five boats visiting from as far away as Harrogate, and fifteen home-grown Budworth sailors. Simply, the conditions held throughout the day, and although the wind did not veer to the forecast nor'nor'west, it remained constantly west-sou'west allowing two beats up the mere, (A-shore to F, and C to E, for those who know the layout), an almost dead run and a couple of reaches.
With three starts in handicap, single handers, double handers and Juniors, all three fleets found enough clear wind to maintain speed. In fact, the elapsed times of the first boats across the line were comparable, for the two lap race, at thirty-seven minutes for single and double handers, and forty-two for the Juniors. Timings which were long enough in a five Celsius temperature!
Hot drinks and bacon sandwiches were fully appreciated in the short break between races, andafter a hot shower the Club bar was the scene of much chat and lively discussion. With results (as always) subject to final verification, the bottles of wine and beer were presented to Gary Howland and Ted Garner, emphasising the close battle between ILCA and Solo. The Solo battle between Martin Brennan, Ted and Andy Fox was intense, and Gary narrowly led Peter Wilkinson home in the ILCA in both races.
The Double handed fleet was well balanced with Simon Joyce, crewed by Dad, Steve, came first in the GP14 in both races, and Eric Paalman (Snipe) crewed by Yazmine Birchall in second place, in both. Leading the RS 200 were Jon Chapman and Wendy Martin, claiming two 'thirds'.
Among the Juniors, there were two 'competitions' the ILCA 4s consisting visitors Jacob Bennett (Glossop), Finlay Cochrane (Yorkshire Dales) and Oliver Hirst (Scammonden Water). These three are clearly regular competitors, creating their own very lively battles, as shown by the sharing of honours over the two races.
The 'other' competition had Rosanna Joyce with Sian Baird just ahead of Finley Waterhouse and Eva Murphy in the 420s, and a private battle between Sophie Thoroughgood and Connie Murphy against Ben Smallwood and Matthew Baird in the Feva. As luck would have it, Ben's tiller extension broke in race one, and therefore lost out to Sophie. However, both Fevas gained a lot of experience with spinnaker control, valiant efforts by the crews in each case to 'untangle' what effectively became a sea anchor!In the winds prevailing it was great to see 420 crews trapezing once again at Budworth a sight not seen for nearly twenty years!
Special thanks to the Budworth team running the event: the alliterative Galley Crew of Danielle, David,Debbie, and Dianne . The equally alliterative (saintly?) Paul and Peter in one RIB, and Hugh in the other. Jackie administered the entries, and Alison on the RMS!!!Our thanks to all. And equally to the club members who came down just to enjoy the atmosphere, and get some fresh air on Boxing Day.
Related
- Boxing Day Bash - In aid of the RNLI (26 December 2022, 12:00 - 15:00)