Bosham boat revival is another classic
The weather gave competitors everything: Saturday’s three races were in chilly conditions, with gusts of 22 knots later testing the fleets and several capsizes ensuing. Sunday’s two races by contrast, enjoyed champagne sailing conditions with warm sunshine and a good breeze.
With 64 boats entered, carrying 125 sailors from 20 clubs from around the country, there were 24 different classic dinghy classes represented in what renowned yachting journalist David Henshall, who judged the Concors d’Elegance, described as the best event of its type in the UK.
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Hide AdThe slow fleet, with the event’s largest class of 13 Tideways, was hotly contested, with the overall winner an Aldeburgh Lapwing, with John Fildes and Charlotte Clay. Second was Michael Young in his Tideway Content (Bosham SC), third was another Aldeburgh Lapwing, ‘Pipit’, owned and sailed by the youngest helm at 14 years, Tilly Mattich (Aldeburgh SC), crewed by Luke Sabin.
The medium fleet was won by Paul Kameen and Clair Jones (Bosham SC) in the Firefly ‘Biscuit Buffalo’, built in 1956. Second was the stunning 1959 built bright red hulled Firefly ‘Gigi’, pride and joy of Will and Mandy Henderson (Itchenor SC). Mandy’s boat was also awarded the Concours d’Elegance. Third was the Brightlingsea One Design ‘Storm Petrel’ with Alan Hicks, Craig Bond and Jayne Bond (Brightlingsea SC & Colne YC).
The fast fleet saw some very competitive racing, with overall winner for the second time ‘Tinkerbell’, the oldest-surviving National 18, built in 1938-9, owned by Richard Stirrup (Bosham SC) and crewed by Dave Hall and Jono Prosser.
Second was Merlin Rocket, ‘Flinkidink’, with Rob Wilder (Tamesis Club) and his nine-year-old daughter Milli Chong Wilder. Third was National 18 ‘Toucou’ with Brian Hoolahan (Bosham SC), Alistair and Sam Tyler.
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Hide AdOrganisers thanked event sponsors, Top Yacht, Sims Williams, Haines Boatyard, Harken and Pusser’s Rum for their ongoing support.
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