It was another bumper weekend of activity on the river with BSC Regatta Day on the Saturday and Round the Islands Race taking place the following day.  

As is tradition, Regatta started with racing on the river and it was great to see 68 boats across twelve classes taking part. Whilst the winds were light, there was plenty to get the races going and the finishing guns were a welcome sound for those crossing the lines first. (See Results below). 

   

When everyone was back on land, it was time for the games to begin! And after much concern about how to accommodate the greasy pole in light of the new pontoon set up, it rose triumphant once more. And thank Poseidon it did, as one contestant in particular gave quite the show. Each time Freddie Diddams took to the pole, he strolled effortlessly towards the flags with the control and poise of a Russian gymnast, taking SIX flags home in total. Special mention also to Jessica Welch who also was the only female to take the flags this year. 

  

Crabbing attracted a crowd too, making use of the extended pontoon area, with Arabella and Anna catching the most crabs, Victor & Alice catching the largest crab and the TG Family the smallest. 

Of course, the cake stall was on hand to keep up people’s spirits (and sugar levels), raising a whopping £400, which will be split between RNLI and Macmillan charities. Tommy had the bar working over time and the galley team was on hand supplying hungry sailors with food, tea and coffee – so a BIG thank you to everyone who helped to make the day go so smoothly. 

After prize giving, many members stayed on for the dinner and Barn Dance where Gill Calendar prepared a delicious meal ahead of the Hoedown, followed by a lil' something sweet from Zoë (much mentioned baker of the BSC newsfeed).  

All in all, it was an awesome day.  Here's looking forward to next year! 

RESULTS:

Short Course winner: Howard Knott (H) Susan Hilton (C) - Gull

Medium Handicap, Ripple Regatta Tankard Winner: John Simpson – Finn

Fast Handicap Boothby Cup Winner: Jessica Berney (H) Julian Berney & Kim Waterfield (C) – National 18

Optimist winner: Leonie Fairhead

Mirror One Stop Trophy winner: Richard Evans (H) Poppy Evans (C)

Topper Regatta Cup Winner: Amelia Gilbert

Fireball Jennifer Rose Bowl Winner: Charlie Stewart (H) Kevin Hopper (C)

Laser Regatta Tankard Winner: Jessica Welch

Wayfarer Regatta Platter Winner: Paul Truman (H) Judy Barnes (C)

Sprite Marks Cup Winner: Ian Barbrook (H) Mick Terry (C)

Cruiser Commodore’s Castor Winner: Mick Sargent & Crew

Alicia Mellish

Photography: Zoë Nelson