Dark horse wins RCOD regatta 18 Jul 2016
The two golf titans Phil Michelson and Henrik Stenson may have attracted millions around the world last Sunday to watch the thrilling final of the British Open at Troon, but at Burnham on Crouch, everything that could be offered in Scotland was matched equally on the Essex Riviera.
A warm westerly which varied from 15 to four knots over the weekend enveloped a two day duel of close combat sport that tested the skill and nerve of the eight boats that took part in the RCOD annual regatta. Throughout the fleet, no quarter was given as helm and crew wrestled with a three hour short tacking marathon up to Raypits, for the first of two river races on the Saturday. That was won by Justin Waples and Steve Rands in Cormorant after finally managing to overtake Corpo Santo on the last tack of the race just 100 yards from the line.
After a quick pit stop for some well deserved lunch, the afternoon race, which consisted of a long run back to the moorings after a short beat was won by Sue Law, Katie Cole and Julie Catesby in Coralie. But the dark horse was Rob Campbell who had borrowed Corella for the weekend. He used Saturday to re-find his bearings on an RCOD and by Sunday, with Mark Wade and Jono Brown on board, he dominated the four windward leeward races, winning three and coming second in the other. That left him one point clear on the leaderboard with Cormorant second and Coralie third.
There was lots of fun elsewhere in the fleet. Johns Apps in Coryphee, Lynn Frost in Corsair and Barry Lewis in Corindelle all enjoyed some very close racing. As ever with these events, a huge thanks to Edwin Buckley, the master race officer, who marshalled the fleet over the weekend with some splendid course setting. And to Ant and Sue Law for hosting a drinks party on Saturday evening before a very enjoyable and relaxed dinner in the club.
Plans are already afoot for next year's regatta (July 22nd/23rd) with plans to get all 11 eleven boats out for next year and perhaps a couple of new owners too.