I spoke too soon after the last race report! The weather for the third race of the series on 16 May was not quite foul but the combination of the high winds against tide meant that getting back to the club from Rye Bay would have been a challenge so, for the first time this year, the race was held on the River Rother. For those visiting Rye Harbour such races are a popular spectator sport as the dinghies zoom up and down the river at quite a close distance. For the sailor though (depending on the wind direction) they are not particularly technically challenging – one challenge though is the wind shadow caused by the new visitors’ centre on the nature reserve. That said, we are extremely fortunate to be able to sail on the river when conditions do not allow us to sail in Rye Bay.
As ever, with marginal weather conditions, there were a few capsizes, and the safety boat crew were busy keeping an eye on things. The race was won by Jeremy and Alison Short, second were Martin Newman and John Roberts whilst Steve Eccles came third.
The fourth race of the series took place on 13 June. Light winds and sun meant that some club members (including the race officer) struggled to make their way from Camber against the many hundreds of visitors descending on Rye and Camber that day. Out at sea the conditions were sublime and, during the race, other members could be seen sailing with their families out in the bay.
The fourth race was won by Jonathan and Christine Wilkinson, second came Martin Newman and Peter Joyce and John and Claire Powell came third.
Immediately after the race the club held a suitably socially distanced barbecue and a much-delayed presentation of prizes for 2020. Dinghy category winners were:
Admiral Anstruther Cup for summer series 1 – Covid-19
Reg Blattman Trophy for summer series 2 – Andrew and Mary Hewitt
Heavy Weather Bowl – John and Claire Powell
Treasurer’s Tankard for summer series U18 – Covid-19
Postling Cup for the winter series – Mark Whiteman
If you want to know more about Rye Harbour Sailing Club or keep track of the results as the year progresses visit www.rhsc.org.uk.
Image Credits: John Powell , Paul Whiteman , Ed Marsh .