It would seem that dull and breezy is standard Reedham Regatta weather and this year was no exception, but at least it stayed dry and was not too cold.  The first race on Saturday afternoon was on a course up to Hardley Mill, then back downriver for three loops before returning to the Ferry to finish.  There was a fair bit of tacking, but fortunately enough wind for this to be achievable for all, even against the ebb tide.

Quite a few boats were showing off their anti-foul, not least Anne, who eventually lost control at the top mark and couldn't turn until they were in a shallow bay, from whence they pirouetted and sailed up the bank.  Marigold managed to visit the reedbed at the bottom mark, but all others completed the course safely, if not quite in one piece - Pandora's forestay block failed just after the start, but John decided he didn't need a forestay, as long as the jib stayed up....  With Anne out of contention, the race was left open for Jessie May, who beat Anna into second place by just 17 seconds.

After the presentation of the Harriet of Reedham Trophy, a number of members enjoyed meals in the pub and some pleasant socialising afterwards.  The Secretary was in a particularly happy mood, having found and drunk one of the raffle prizes!  (by agreement and it was replaced).

A loop was inserted into Sunday morning's passage race up to Buckenham, mostly in order to give enough time for the committee boat, Pelican, to get there first in order to time the boats in.  Anne stormed round in only 75 minutes and took first place, pushing the Branscombes into second again, this time by 21 seconds.  Jessie May was unable to add to their win owing to their tiller breaking in two, thereby putting an end to their racing, but fortunately without causing any other damage.

After lunch at the Beauchamp Arms (cheesy chips seemed to be popular) the fleet set off for the return leg downriver.  Some had reefed after the exertions of the morning, but perhaps didn't need to as the wind had eased slightly.  With high tide mid way through the race, conditions favoured the slower boats of the second start for a change and this was clearly shown in the results.  Marigold and Lucky Breeze, the two slowest in the fleet, match raced each other all the way downriver, with an inconveniently placed motor boat at the end nearly costing David the race; but in the event he crossed the line two seconds ahead of the Russells and won both that particular tussle and the entire race.

Anne could do no better than fourth, which was not quite enough to prevent the Branscombes winning the overall trophy for the weekend with their two second places.  After the prize-giving, Bob then took charge of the raffle and managed to arrange it so that all the club officers won prizes!

Nine boats got at least one result from this weekend and they are now the only ones who are potentially eligible for the Diamond Jubilee Trophy this year.  As we had three different winners and four other yachts gained at least a 4th place, this series is currently wide open, as is the general club championship.  A good start to the season.