Squib Burnham Week Report 3 Sep 2017

The Squibs once again took Burnham Week to another level with almost double the entrants (24) of any other fleet.

The first weekend saw over 20 boats on the start line where "pin-end and windward" was only slightly preferred to "on the line at full speed and heading for the shallows". Every race involved close battles in the beats and covering on the runs… and with a big fleet everyone has their race whether that's for the front, the middle, personal pride or champagne.

The fleet welcomed visitors Ray and Debbie Apthorp in Nemesis from West Mersea plus local summer attendees Caitlin and Mel Rowe-Clarke in Wombat who weren't quite expecting the social events to surpass the racing. The weekend was won by Jamie Mears sailing with Sam Barr in By The Lee.

There were still 15+ couples out for the remainder which saw Phil and Marion Aspinall in Guy Fawkes secure their first ever BW victory.  The week, mid-week and Trophy Day were won by Malcolm Hutchings with wife Jackie and (B crew) Andy Ramsey in Lady Penelope. 

The real winners were the fleet members plus the clubs, bars and establishments that enjoyed their patronage. There was great support from within the fleet in hosting Cocktails, Paella, Chilli & pub grub.

All in all, a proper Burnham Week with never a bad word about the vagaries of the wind which were seen as just another opportunity to build the Squib spirit (or drink it)… with that kind of spirit getting 50 boats for the Squib 50th anniversary seems achievable.