Last Saturday, 13^th June, was the Cruiser Class annual race to Harwich. Five boats presented themselves on the line for an 11.00 o’clock start in a brisk 18 to 20 knot breeze from the ENE. They were Voyager (Simon and Sarah Sanders) Coco (David and Justine Page with Paul van Damme) Pericles (Jack and Abby Page), Clara (Robert and Tracy Coyle) and Trinco (Peter and Caroline Hooper with Maggie)

At the gun only two boats were on the line and Trinco and Clara set off on a run down river. Pericles had developed a halyard problem and was forced to retire before the start. Coco also retired to assist Pericles. Voyager was just late having been delayed in putting a reef in their mainsail but gave chase to the leading boats some four minutes ahead.

Pericles returned to her moorings and the crew transferred to Coco to continue their journey as a family cruise. Twenty minutes into the race the Voyager crew discovered that they still had their engine running and in drive, so also retired and continued to Harwich under their Blue Ensign.

The wind eased in the afternoon and although Trinco and Clara were the only boats remaining in the race we all enjoyed a marvellous sail to Harwich. On route we were passed by Boscollina (Andrew and Gina Wood-Hill) and Capella (Phil and Pauline Shanahan) as they motored their way to our rendezvous at Suffolk Yacht Harbour at Levington.

In the evening fifteen members sat down to enjoy a sociable meal and a few drinks at the Haven Port Yacht Club.

The outcome of the race was a resounding win for Trinco who beat Clara by 30 minutes 20 seconds on corrected time.