On Sunday morning 17th September, the fleet of B.O.D.’s were greeted with a high tide, autumn sunshine and 5 to 8 knots of breeze, providing perfect conditions for sailing the R. Stone Challis.

All boats were closely packed to the line with Geoff Gritton and team in ‘Never say Never’ getting away first, however after a shifty first beat against the tide it was ‘Dulcet’ helmed by Jessica Rust that rounded the weather mark in first position.  A long dead run with the tide to number 8 was followed by another long beat against the tide up along the St Osyth shore to Point Clear.  ‘Avocet’ with Jeremy Newman, Stuart and Tom Philips managed to slip by ‘Dulcet’ with Danny Fox and team in ‘Egret’ closing the gap.  Positions held on the dead run to number 8, however another long beat against the tide this time up the Mersea shore, saw a short tacking dual around East Mersea Stone with Celia and David Charlton in ‘Sarah Louise’ picking a good shift and overtaking ‘Dulcet’.  With all boats heading up the East Mersea shore out of the tide it was difficult to judge the lay line to the Batemans mark and it was ‘Dulcet’ tacking slightly before ‘Sarah Louise’ regained their position at the mark to finish second, ‘Sarah Louise’ third with ‘Avocet’ first.  A good race was had by all, which was rounded off nicely with lunch at the CYC.

Many thanks to Mat Crittenden and his team for setting an excellent course.

Next Sunday’s race is at 2.00 pm from Batemans for the Andy Silk Salver.