Numbers were down for this year’s Reedham Regatta, no doubt partly because of the very windy conditions. Saturday, in particular, was pretty rough, with some very strong gusts and the odd rain shower as well. Nevertheless, 8 boats entered the first race, many of them heavily reefed.

The course was set from Chet Mouth up to a buoy just below Cantley, then a loop back down to Hardley Dyke before returning to finish at Reedham Ferry. Henrietta decided before the start to retire, but the other 7 boats set off upriver. However, there was a certain amount of attrition, with Sparklet being the first to retire due to concern over the amount their mast was bending. The newly painted Kingfisher, Modwena and Pandora also decided it was too much, leaving Stratus, Breeze and Dryad to take the honours, in that order.

Regrettably, it was felt prudent to cancel the proposed Crew’s race on Saturday, due to the adverse weather conditions. Instead, some entertainment was provided by watching the river cover the quay as the northerly gale pushed in the tide.

Sunday was a little better – still windy, but not as much, although most boats kept all their reefs in. 6 boats entered, but Modwena decided they lacked the necessary motivation, so only 5 started. Henry Fillery was a bit bemused to find himself in the first start. Breeze, Dryad and Stratus were neck and neck most of the way round, but John Ellis eventually pulled clear to take line honours and first place. Dryad just held on to cross the line 15 seconds ahead of Breeze, but had to settle for 3rd place behind Henry again.

The fleet was down to 4 in the afternoon, but the wind had eased enough for the odd reef to be cautiously shaken out by some. The extra sail area allowed Dryad to lead around the course very comfortably, but yet again she had to be content with third place behind Stratus and Breeze.

This at least meant it was an easy task to work out the overall winner of the weekend, with a delighted John Ellis taking home the Reedham Open Trophy.

There was also a (virtual) Treasure Hunt on Saturday night, with members being invited to find the Commodore’s stash. This turned out to be at Hickling, discovered by both Jackie Jenner and Joe Farrow. As an extra twist, Pam Wells was given a small prize for being furthest away, in Bungay.

Results

Harriet of Reedham Trophy (Saturday afternoon) - 1. Stratus (John Ellis)  2. Breeze (Henry Fillery)  3. Dryad (David Walker)  OCS - Sparklet, Modwena, Pandora DNS - Henrietta  DNF - Kingfisher

Crews Cocktail Shaker (Saturday evening) - Abandoned

Serenity Trophy (Sunday morning) - 1. Stratus (John Ellis)  2. Breeze (Henry Fillery)  3. Dryad (David Walker) 4. Sparklet (Mark Swale)  5. Kingfisher (Chris Sales)  DNC - Modwena

Silver Trophy (Sunday afternoon) - 1. Stratus (John Ellis)  2. Breeze (Henry Fillery)  3. Dryad (David Walker)  4. Sparklet (Mark Swale)

Reedham Open Trophy (overall - best 2 of 3) - 1. Stratus (John Ellis)  2. Breeze (Henry Fillery)  3. Dryad (David Walker)  4. Sparklet (Mark Swale)  5. Kingfisher (Chris Sales)