The final race of The Britannia Challenge series was held on Sunday 18th October, the morning after the excellent Laying up Dinner and Youth Fund auction.

For the final race the wind was always going to be a problem and setting a course even more challenging in a light Northerly breeze. With W.Ryde Middle as the first mark, it was hoped that the last of the flood tide would do most of the work, then back to Gales HSB on the Island shore and finish with the beginning of the ebb. Unfortunately the tide turned before any one reached the first mark so the race was abandoned in spite of the Commodore’s plea because he felt Saurian would make it even though he was sailing backwards at the time.

We had 9 boats enter this year’s series and 5 came to the line in every race. The Commodore with his co-owners Carol Curties and Alan Limer was always at the front of the fleet, and together with Johnny Blackstone they made ‘Saurian’ almost unbeatable and for the second year running they won the Patrick Egan Salver for best overall with all races to count.

No yacht can win more than one trophy.

David Parson with his Contessa 32,‘Gualin’ won the Dr Bown Salver for best in series with one discard. After tying on points with John and Margaret Young’s ‘Crackertoo,’ Gualin was declared the winner as she had a first in race one. This trophy was presented to the Club by Keith Topley when he was Commodore and in spite of changing from his beloved ‘Gilla’ to a Folkboat mid series he didn’t manage to win it, Richard Gaunt ever present during the series with, ‘Spoofer’ came fourth overall.

Richard Gaunt used the Laying up Dinner auction to find “A crew member” for the last race but he appeared on the Club pontoon with two ladies.. After the start he seemed to loose interest in actually racing as he headed off towards Gurnard and then motored to the first mark to check on the others progress!

It was good to see a new entry for the last race, Peter Collins in‘Mahi’ looked as if she has the speed to give the Commodore something to think about. Lets hope this augers well for next year.

A fine curry lunch followed, with the prizes being presented by Sarah Shears.

I would like to thank all those who took part and made the series so enjoyable and hope more Members will take part in 2010.

And finally thanks to my Race officer team who make it all happen. Michael Wharton our gunner, who could only use the horn because of the problems with cannon noise, Radio officer Mike O’Hagan and my Wife, Mary Ann who kept us all in order whilst she was spotting, time keeping and reading the Sunday papers.

Rodney J C Barton Chief Race Officer