If you’ve never sailed a BOD but want to get an idea of just how close and exciting the racing can be this amazing shot from Nick Baker (organiser of Rowhedge Regatta), taken during Wivenhoe Regatta 2015, certainly helps to bring the action into your sitting room!
It shows Storm Petrel as the jam in the sandwich between Grayling and Bidi. Many thanks to Nick for the photo!
Pyefleet Week may be behind us but there are still plenty of great BOD racing (and partying) opportunities ahead of us. Here’s a quick overview of what’s coming up:
Sunday 30 August – Osbourne Cup 1 – 11am start BSC
Sunday 6 September – BOD Multirace Series – 14.00 start committee boat or
Sat/Sun 5/6 September – Bosham Classic Boat Revival
Sunday 13 September – Andy Silk Salver – 14.15 CYC
Sunday 20 September – Bart’s Bash – 14.00 BSC
Sunday 27 September – R Stone Challice – 14.15 CYC
Sunday 4 October – Osbourne Cup 2 – 14.00 BSC
Sunday 11 October – Final Fling – 10.30 CYC
And on the social side the Final Fling Race 0n 11 October will be followed by the traditional Sunday lunch at the Colne Yacht Club, plus of course we have the end of season BOD Halloween Party and Curry Night at the Yacht Club on Saturday 31 October, so mark your diaries and further information will follow soon.
The forecast for the Ladies Race was pretty dire with gusty winds and rain both threatened and as a result several boats pulled out of the event, concerned about racing borrowed boats in strong winds. Fortunately Georgina White in C4 Cormorant and Maddy Anderson in C55 Wind Sprite are made of stern stuff and were not going to be put off by the forecast.
In fact Maddy was so determined to race that she stepped ashore from the Fastnet Race on Friday morning, travelled via a party in Southampton on Saturday night and arrived in Brightlingsea after a particularly tortuous journey north with only minutes to spare.
After the forecast for strong winds the British weather did what it does best and provided exactly the opposite and Race Officer Nick Readings kindly postponed the start for a few minutes to allow Maddy time to get to the line as she was struggling against the tide out of the creek in light airs.
Once underway the boats enjoyed a fantastic match race and the breeze did pick up, although the wind brought rain with it. But nothing could dampen their spirits and after a great short race around Big Buoy, Inner Fishery and Bateman’s before coming back to the line it was Georgina who was declared 2015 BOD Ladies Champion and Maddy the worthy runner up.
Back in the club there was tea and cakes all round and Georgina was presented with the trophy by Nick.
Calling all BODs – the Ladies Race is fast approaching on Sunday 23 August. The race will start from the CYC line at 14.15, is open to all BODs with a lady helm, and will be followed by a slap up afternoon tea at the Colne Yacht Club.
Rebecca Ashworth won the race last year in Aina so we hope to see her back defending her title and we’ve already had confirmed that Nicky Henderson is helming Storm Petrel. Sally White placed second last year and Georgina White was third so we hope to see them back out again this year giving it another go along with as many other ladies as possible.
What an incredible week of sailing Pyefleet Week 2015 supported by Zhik provided for our fabulous BOD fleet. At 23 strong it was the biggest turnout ever and the quality of the racing just keeps getting better and better.
From the outset it was clear we were in for an amazing regatta and with a perfect mix of weather conditions with something to suit everyone, the entire fleet certainly gave their all and enjoyed some truly extraordinary races. Wherever you looked in the fleet there were constant battles going on so whether your fight was for first place, to make the top ten or above half way, or simply to beat your nearest rival each day, there was incredible racing to be had.
At times it was a little too neck and neck and steps are already being taken to carry out a full review of the Pyefleet Week courses for 2016 so that we can still achieve great racing, but hopefully avoid some of the high stress moments caused by very short start lines (exacerbated by the lack of water) and some extremely close mark roundings (particularly the first few marks when the fleet was still so closely packed). I’m relieved to say that whilst there were a few collisions and some damage no boats were prevented boats for continuing to race.
Going into the week it was hard to pick a favourite and any one of at least half a dozen teams could easily have taken the title. After three straight years of victories Jeremy Newman, crewed by Ollie Newman and Pier Lambert, did his very best to make it four in a row, but it wasn’t to be and this year’s final race showdown was between Malcolm Goodwin, crewed by Graham Sanderson and Georgina White, and Dan and James Willett and Fraz. Both teams raced their socks off, but Malcolm’s wily experience gave him the upper hand and having sailed his rivals down the fleet he kept a loose cover on them as he sailed into second in the race and first overall. Dan and his boys took the silver medal with Jeremy and co picking up the bronze.
Elsewhere in the fleet there were plenty more impressive achievements to report.
David Conlon, Sarah Bines and Mitchell Bond borrowed Endeavour from Nick Readings and a set of old sails from Alan Hicks and sailed like demons to finish seventh overall.
Sue Bouckley, crewed by Simon Hipkin and variously her daughters Abbi and Hannah Stodel and John Paxman, were racing the brand new Eider in her first ever Pyefleet Week and proved that they have great potential for the future with a ninth place overall and some very impressive boat speed.
Malcolm Goodwin had kindly lent Jean to the WOD boys with George Brown on the helm and Nic Blower and Rob Maloney crewing. This was their first BOD sailing and they put in a really steady set of results to finish 15th overall. We hope we’ll see you all back in the fleet again soon boys!
Also in a borrowed boat and racing for the first time was Robin Cole, crewed by his wife Theresa and Roger Robertson – who brought more than a wee bit of BOD experience to the team. They raced Nick Reading’s Nan and got stronger and stronger as the week went on so we do hope we will get to see more of this team in the fleet in the near future.
Graham Bridle, Imy Hare and Claire Bridle put Blue Peter through her paces and it was only on a couple of days, when the wind was particularly strong, that Claire – whose mobility is severely limited by her MS and who sails sat in a specially adapted chair – had to step out and they brought in a replacement. Their best result of the regatta was a sixth in the second race and despite not competing in the final race they still took 16th overall.
Making a very special appearance in the fleet on Big Wednesday was world renowned yachting journalist and all round yachting legend Bob Fisher, who at 80 years young showed that he still has what it takes. Crewed by grandson Chris Matthews and Jessica Rust in Rebel, Bob showed the rest of the fleet a clean pair of heels and was first home so convincingly that even when the tide caught them just after the finish and they had so little wind they were forced into a glancing collision with the committee boat, they still had time to take their penalty turns and recross the line before the next BOD finished.
It was also good to see Geoff Gritton at the helm of a BOD on Big Wednesday with Chris and Emma. Geoff’s new BOD C56 is just about to go into production at White Formula so we’ll look forward to seeing him on the water in his own boat next season.
But the sailing is only half the Pyefleet Week story and once again the BOD German Night on Monday was one of the highlights of the week. Lederhosen, dirndls, steins, bratwursts, the alway fabulous Oompah Band and of course the galley girls with their legendary jugs all made for a great night which far too many of us can only vaguely remember. Plans are already in hand for BOD night 2016 and whilst we are sworn to secrecy rumour has it that you might want to start saving old plates and practising your Greek dancing.
Of course none of this would have been possible without all the fantastic volunteers who manned the committee and rescue boats, kept us fed from the galley and watered from the bar, ran the race office, did the results and generally looked after us all week. There are far too many names to mention anyone individually, but thank you one and all for a great job well done.
Thanks to to everyone in the BOD fleet who stepped up to volunteer for a rescue boat or OOD duty, helped to move tables in the club and helped to run BOD German Night. The club and Pyefleet Week is entirely volunteer dependent so well done for making sure the BOD fleet pulled it’s weight.
Thanks to everyone who took photos of the BODs during the event. In particular check out the galleries of Dave White and Katie Holland at the Pyefleet Week website.
Finally a special thanks must go to Nick and Pam Readings and the Park and Ride team who not only made sure the dry sailing boats all got launched and recovered promptly, but lent out two BODs to new crews, provided two dedicated rescue boats free of charge, ensured the BOD high volume pump was afloat every day and found volunteers to man everything for the duration of the regatta – oh and sponsored our President’s Race Day on Sunday. Thank you guys – we really appreciate it.
Not sure who is responsible for this new addition to Dan’s boat, but clearly everyone is keen to help him avoid any more collisions this week.
A new roving reporter has joined our team this week and brings us the following tongue firmly in cheek look at the BOD Pyefleet Week runners and riders.
By BOD Detective
This year’s Intergalactic Brightlingsea One Design Championship is only a few days away, with a forecast for plenty of sun, a fresh breeze and a minimum 23 BODs on the water, its set to be a spectacular week! There is only one question on the mind of every sailor and keen spectator as the week approaches – who will be crowned 2015 BOD Champion? Whether it be talk at the bar or conversations with one of my many informants, everyone has a different favourite for this year’s show down…
C32- Avocet (Team Land Rover BAR)
With a firm grasp on the title for the past three years, Jeremy is certainly the Ben Ainslie of the regatta. Joined by long standing crew and son Ollie, as well as a ‘snakey’ Merlin sailor Piers Lambert. Will this alteration to the front of the boat keep their winning edge? Or will three helms in a boat be a recipe for disaster?
C4- Cormorant (Team Emirates)
All are in agreement that there is no man in the fleet with a greater BOD knowledge than Malcolm Goodwin. This year he will be joined by Graham and Georgina to be a formidable team all around the course. Over the past few weeks he has been spotted doing some final bimbling to ensure the boat is completely race ready.
C27- Rebel (Team BMW Oracle)
The boat’s name says a lot about this trio, last year’s runners up will this year be looking for a windy week to support their 300kg crew weight! Ed will this year be joined in the front by an upcoming Olympic superstar Pete McCoy, unfortunately Pete has been out on injury for most of this year but Chris and Ed are hoping his slightly smaller Pectoral won’t slow them down. Guest starring on Big Wednesday will be a multi-champion sailor and former BSC bad boy Bob Fisher. With his grandson at the helm and new SLAM shorts specially for the occasion, could this be a win in one of the most eagerly competed races of the week?
C9- Bidi (Team Artemis)
Colin has taken a spectator seat for this Pyefleet week, leaving Dan to sail with brother James and Fraz. This formidable team is my one to watch for the week, with a set of very fancy HD sails adding to the slickness of this team, they just have to hope that after the arrival of baby Daisie, Dan leaves his baby brain on the shore!
C8- Egret (Team Japan)
This team, otherwise known as the ‘Mersea boys’ seem to have the BOD knack in all conditions. We will be watching for their superb boat speed on the long Pyefleet week beats!
C16- Dulcet (Groupama)
Has Phil secured himself the victory by stealing Mr Newman’s middle man? Joining himself and sailmaker Mark Self will be son Chris. After the loss of a mast during a Regatta weekend ‘incident’ will Phil’s new spars be up to the job?
C43- Endeavour
It has been noted that this team have spent a number of hours ensuring Endeavour is race ready (and legal) for the years Championship. In the hands of David, Sarah and Mitch, this team will be contending for the highest placed young guns against their rebellious friends. After a near capsize last Sunday with guest crew Ed, do this lightweight team have what it takes to get to the front of the fleet?
C54- Storm Petrel
Additionally to their battle for young guns, David and team will also be hoping to show their parents the transom, adding to the pressure for Alan, Craig and Jayne to better their outstanding string of 5th places in last year’s event. With the imminent arrival of friends Lynne and Tim from Australia, will this team be able to keep their eyes on the prize instead of the beer and wine?
C53- White Spirit
Another family rivalry may be on the cards as Mark and team take the start line alongside daughter Georgina in C4. Mark has been out almost every weekend of the season meaning he’s well practiced team should surely be ready to get into the chocolates?
C30- Sarah Louise, C50- Eider & C51- Grethe
These three boats will all have one clear advantage, in my opinion, over the rest – lady helms! Celia, Sue and Fi will I’m sure be closely battling for the top female spot. Mr and Mrs Charlton will be hoping to hop back into the boat and speed to the front after an absence for most of the 2015 season. Fi’s team of Geoff and returning Essex boy Mike Stannard, will surely give her an edge, however Geoff’s reluctance to alcohol is surely against Grethe’s Prosecco tradition? In C50, Sue will be joined by daughters Hannah and Abby, not seen sailing in Brightlingsea for a number of years, we know this team has talent, but do they still have the local knowledge needed to secure a top finishing position?
C14- Aina
Only this morning, pictures of a slightly neglected centreplate were seen by those on social media, suggesting that Mr Heppell may have left his boat maintenance to the last minute! Will this be a lack of preparation? Or will these final bimbles be winners on the race course?
C75- The Mike
For the first time, Mark, Phil and Debbie will be joining the Pyefleet line up. Their boat is certainly beautiful as is their crew (not you, Phil) and it has been noted that straight line speed for The Mike is a force to be reckoned with, but will this be enough to glide them to the finish line?
C55- Wind Sprite
Those familiar with Fin’s time keeping skills, will be hoping he remembers to get up in time to join dad James on the start line. With uncertainty as to who the third crew will be in this boat, could James be keeping a superstar under wraps? We find out Saturday!
C18- Gelasma, C6- Jumbo Too, C29- Panic
All three have a wealth of BOD sailing experience and will surely be hoping to put this to use over the week. Mr Hempstead may also be keeping some stars up his sleeve for the weekend races, hoping to give him the edge in this battle of local knowledge and BOD expertise.
C11- Grayling
With a more relaxed approach to this season than last, John and Lucy will be joined by another larger than life character, Nick Barnes (my advice would be not to sit between them and Grethe on the start line- unless you have ear plugs).
C31- Blue Peter
Graham must be hoping his recent 18ft experience in the skiff will be transferable to Blue Peter. With rumours of Graham having two lovely ladies in the front, the team are to be reckoned with and we hope to see the Alpha Male doing as he’s told!
C20- Ruff
After an exciting Thursday night earlier in the season, Team Ruff have emptied the water and are ready for the first race. New sails have been noticed, an increase in speed and a feisty approach to this season stands them in good footing to have a fantastic week!
C1- Jean
Fleet expert Malcolm has this year loaned his beloved Jean to Wivenhoe sailor Rob Maloney, with a vast knowledge of WODs, we will see if his team’s skills will be transferable to the BOD.
C24- Nan
On loan from Nick Readings we are delighted to welcome Nan and her Pyefleet Week skipper Robin Cole to the fleet. This teams crew list has yet to be revealed so we will all just have to wait until the first race to find out more.
Finally we have news of possible appearances by C40- March Hare and C26- Krystina to keep the fleet on their toes and keep the spectators on the edge of their seats as the week progresses to what I’m sure will be an epic Finale show down!
At last Pyefleet Week is here and that means that German BOD Night is almost upon us too!
Once again Pyefleet Week’s Monday night will be BOD German Night with dirndls and lederhosen galore, Steins of beer, the Oompah Band and a German supper – come on you know how much you love a Bratwurts!
Tickets will be on sale from Kathy at Registration on Saturday and Sunday so book early to avoid disappointment.
We have several very keen and able people looking for crewing positions in BODs during Pyefleet Week. If anyone is still seeking crew please email Fi on fiona.brown@fionabrown.com and she will put you in contact.
Once again the BOD Fleet has been invited to attend the Bosham Classic Boat Revival which this year takes place on the weekend of 5 and 6 September. Grethe and Storm Petrel have already confirmed they will be attending and if anyone else would like to join them and needs help to organise their trip down Fi is on hand to assist with anything from housing to road trailing – just email her on fiona.brown@fionabrown.com.
Those who attended last year will confirm that it is a great fun weekend of racing in Chichester Harbour where conditions are remarkably similar to river racing here. There are parties each evening and fun for friends and family who choose to travel with you. It is also a fantastic shop window for the BOD Fleet so we hope that as many boats as possible with join Grethe and Storm Petrel for another awfully big adventure.
Chichester Harbour is a fantastic area for non-sailing visitors with great beaches, wonderful walking, brilliant bike rides, perfect pubs and stunning scenery. Within a short car drive there is Portsmouth with its historic dockyard, Spinnaker Tower, the Ben Ainslie Racing America’s Cup Base and great shopping; the beautiful city of Chichester with its famous Festival Theatre and glorious Georgian buildings, and all the delights of the South Downs.
Brightlingsea One Design 
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