The 2016 Three Pubs Race 3 Oct 2016

More than 30 members of the Cruiser Fleet gathered at the Ferry Boat Inn, the White Harte and Ye Olde Corinthian for the final Cruiser sailing event of the 2016 season.

George Winder in Sprite kicked-off proceedings by starting four cruisers on a close race in light winds from Burnham to Fambridge. Verlette (Steve and Katherine Barham) won on corrected time followed by Mystic Tide (Phil Knox), Voyager (Simon and Sarah Sanders) and Zelda (Chris and Chrissie Nolan).

Boscollina (Andy and Gina Wood-Hill), Girl Friday (Iain Crombie) and Doolittle (Dick Rycroft) cruised to Fambridge, while Mark Eagling was on hand in the Club RIB to assist. Other members joined us in the Ferry Boat Inn by road for a fine lunch.

George Winder started the second race at 14:30. The wind had increased slightly, and a good reach brought us back to Burnham.

Racing was even closer, but on corrected time the finishing order remained the same. The combined result was Verlette (2 pts), Mystic Tide (4 pts), Voyager (6 pts) and Zelda (8 pts). So, hearty congratulations to Steve and Katherine Barham in Verlette who retain the Three Pubs Trophy.

The third race, from the White Harte to Ye Olde Corinthian, began at 18:55. Rain forced a gate-start through the back doors of the White Harte where the first eggs dropped from spoons. Teams rounding the Anchor (PHM) brought shouts of ‘Water!’ (and some of ‘Beer!’) while more eggs threw themselves to the ground.

After a bitterly fought downwind run to the finish line, Wendy Wilson (Doolittle) gained line-honours.

Ye Olde Corinthian won ‘Pub of the Day’ for an excellent pie-based dinner, and wonderful staff. The day ended with a fine selection of pub games including darts, table skittles, bagatelle and shove ha’penny.