The start line for the Harwich Trophy Race was between Committee boat ‘Sprite’ on the north shore and Fairway no 3 Buoy to the south.  Thanks to George Winder for again providing Committee boat and starting procedures with a 0955 warning signal.

Lucy Lee crossed the line narrowly ahead of Otra Vez followed by Coco all enjoying a reach into the estuary and towards the only mark in the course, the Swin Spitway buoy.  Otra Vez rounded first followed by Lucy Lee and then Coco.  The finish line extended 300 yards due west of Stone Banks buoy off the Naze which meant a difficult but fast run, most of which involved Goose winging the jib with the wind just too gusty for spinnakers.

Results with corrected times:

1^st  –  Otra Vez  –  Beneteau 36.7 First  –  Andy & Jude Prestwich and Family  –  3:21:56

2^nd  –  Coco  –  Jeanneau 33i  –  David & Jack Page, Paul Van Damme and Olly Crickmay  –  3:32:45

3^rd  –  Lucy Lee  –  Dehler 34  –  Ian & Janice Keam-George, Steve & Katherine Barham  –  3:38:23

Thanks to Ian Keam George for organising the moorings and an excellent meal for all in Wolverstone Marina.

Otra Vez is staying at Woolverstone for a few weeks to cruise the Suffolk rivers however Lucy Lee and Coco made early starts to return to Burnham.  As can be seen in the photographs we were treated to a superb sunrise and all was calm as we departed Wolverstone with the Orwell Bridge providing the backdrop.  However, with wind against tide, motoring south through the wallet was a little uncomfortable but things became much easier when east of the Buxey cardinal buoys.  Conditions in the Swallowtail channel prevented a conversation but we could at least exchange a wave with the unmistakable red hull of Tamarisk with crew James and Corrina similarly returning to Burnham having spent the night at anchor in Pyefleet Creek.

It was a real treat to be competing for the Harwich Trophy again, the last race was in 2018.

Steve Barham  –  Cruiser Fleet Captain.

28^th June 2022

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