Bourne End Week 2016 at Upper Thames Sailing Club - Preview
by Debbie Kite 20 May 2016 16:41 BST
28 May - 1 June 2016
Bourne End Week © Debbie Kite
Bourne End Week at Upper Thames SC is just eight days away, and discounted entry is still available until 22nd May.
The historic river regatta, run annually every May Bank Holiday since late Victorian times, is now a five-day thriving friendly regatta open to all, but with some of the same vintage Thames A Raters as a highlight. This year the prestigious Queen's Cup will be raced for on the Bank Holiday Monday, to enable more spectators to view the spectacle. It's also the only occasion in the year when a Rater race is started using the club's historic Winchester cannon. The roar of the cannon and the cloud of black smoke add greatly to the atmosphere.
Nowadays the Merlin Rocket fleet competing in the River Championships just outnumbers the Thames A Raters, alongside class racing for Wayfarers, OKs, Solos, National 12s and RS Fevas, plus a varied handicap entry.
Sponsors and club supporters again this year are local Volvo dealers Squire Furneaux Maidenhead, Virtual Rigger Superstore and Andrew Milsom Estate agents. Squire Furneaux will be promoting the RYA affinity Volvo discount scheme with cars on display at the regatta.
For the first time Virtual Rigger will be filming a report of the Queen's Cup for the VRsport.tv channel, as well as providing VR Superstore voucher prizes.
The regatta dates are Saturday 28th May to Wednesday 1st June, and as regular visitors will know, it's not just about the sailing. There's a varied social programme, with quality catering to enjoy while watching the action from the lawns. Notice of Race, more information and the link to online entry are at the BEW website, bew.utsc.org.uk.