2012 David Eagling Memorial Race 19 May 2012

Six boats from the cruiser fleet took part in this year’s David Eagling memorial race from the RCYC to Fambridge. It was a typical cruiser start – five of us were carefully avoiding each other, especially Good Hope with their new paint job and the horns for 10 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes and 1 minute had been sounded when Grace appeared to join us! At least she knew which direction we were going in unlike boats in the past, Mick!

The wind was very fickle and it was a close race with first Quick Reflex, then Good Hope, Amanda Louise and Grace in the lead. Star Swan found the winds too light for them and so motored on ahead, Baldrick also found the wind died on him just as the tide turned and so finished under engine.

Quick Reflex took line honours but when everyone had declared their time and the handicaps had been applied Good Hope was declared the worthy winner. As we repaired to the pub in Fambridge, we were joined by several more members of the fleet who had come wind over tarmac, for various reasons.

The quiz for the Spangle Cup was set, this year, by Dr Corless and was a tough one! We scratched our heads and searched deep in our long term memories for long forgotten facts. The winners were Len Cole and his team on Amanda Louise so well done to them! We instigated our new system of all names in a hat (except the winner) for the person to set the quiz next year. Team Eagling was drawn out, which seemed very fair to all present!