Royal Corinthian One Design 80th Anniversary Regatta at Burnham

Royal Corinthian One Design 80th Anniversary Regatta © Roger Mant

Royal Corinthian One Design 80th Anniversary Regatta © Roger Mant

Annie Reid, Ant Law, Sue Law, Katie Cole win the Royal Corinthian One Design 80th Anniversary Regatta © Roger Mant

The Royal Corinthian Yacht Club at Burnham-on-Crouch celebrated the 80th anniversary of its one-design class, the Royal Corinthian One Design (RCOD), with a three-day regatta over the weekend of 17-19 July.

This not only marked the survival of the class, but also its recent rejuvenation. A sustained programme of fund-raising and rebuilding has seen the fleet increase to something of its former strength, thanks to the efforts of the class captain, Barry Lewis, the support of Nick Oliver of the local yard, Rice & Coles, and many other members of the club attracted to these lively boats, which provide very close racing; a record eleven boats participated.

Three short races were scheduled on Friday afternoon, but we were greeted by a two-hour postponement and a brisk force 5-6; in the end, we managed one race to get the event started. The whole fleet was reefed and it was fortunate there were no breakages. The winner was Justin Waples in Coram, very kindly lent by Will & Clarrie Wallace.

Saturday dawned bright and fine and three races were held under the skilful command of the Race Officer, Edwin Buckley and mark layer, Roger Mant, who also found time to photograph the racing. Charles Melville (Corinna) dominated the first two races but faded in the third after a hopeless start, while Justin Waples and Sue Law (Coralie) showed their speed and skill at the top of the fleet.

John Waples and Nick Oliver were also consistently well placed. Winds were strong enough to fight sluicing tides, but variable in direction, giving plenty of opportunities to take advantage (or not) of wind shifts.

The afternoon ended with a sail past the Commodore Annie Reid at the end of the club pontoon, led by John Wilson in Corinthia, who had not fared so well in the racing. Unfortunately, Cormorant was hit by a sudden squall and filled up, causing much merriment at the Dinner that followed.

Sunday's race again took place in strong winds, and allowed the two leading boats to confirm their superiority, Sue just pipping Justin on count-back to take the handsome trophy.

We sorely missed the Club's Admiral, Bob Melville, whose record of sailing and winning in RCODs until his 95th year showed everyone the beauty of the boats and helped to restore their popularity. Roll on Burnham Week!

Overall Results: