Packard Ladies 7 Jul 2013

The third competition for the Packard Ladies’ Cup took place on a beautiful summer’s afternoon with a steady breeze, ideal conditions on Sunday July 7th. There were five starters in RCODs although Corinna did not make it to the start after a small incident.

RC Peter Marchant set a town course, ideal for the spectators on the balcony. Coriander with Ella Waples at the helm and Scarlett Anderson using her Cadet skills on the spinnaker, split from the other three entrants and worked the north shore. At one point it seemed to have paid off but such a decision is always risky and after crossing the tide, Coriander was well behind.

Katie Cole sailed Cormorant and it was good to see the boat back on the water. Katie, crewed by Nigel Cole and Luke Malissa, sailed Cormorant to victory, just thirty seconds ahead of Rosemary Archer, in Corella, who was fifty seconds ahead of Katie Barr in Corindelle.

Ella and Scarlett celebrated their first attempt at sailing an RCOD by swimming ashore once Coriander was safely on her mooring and were still damp for the prizegiving!

The prizegiving was an opportunity to explain the background to the Cup which was originally won by Celia and Nina Packard in their Orwell One Design in Burnham Week 1899. Holding this race keeps the memory of the Packard Ladies shining brightly.

Katie Cole acknowledged Celia and Nina in her acceptance speech and also thanked the owners of the RCODs for allowing the use of their boats. Thanks should also go to Joe Tavinor and Harry Hinkins in the race box.