50th Anniversary Regatta at Blue Circle Sailing Club
by Richard Lambert 18 Jul 2006 09:21 UTC
16 July 2006
The sun shone on Blue Circle Sailing Club’s 50th anniversary day on Sunday 16th July. The club has seen many changes over the last half century, most recently, its switch from being owned by a North Kent-based cement and block paving company, to a one member-one vote sailing club.
Founder members Derrick Crouch and John Townsend (who flew in from Malaysia) were present to see a bumper number of boats ranging from RS700s to Toppers race for the honour of being the club’s Golden Jubilee Champion.
Three short and very competitive back to back races were held, and the conditions suited the Snipes and Lasers in particular, although the Mirrors also prospered over the short courses. A starboard biased line forced the better crews up the left side of the beat, but this resulted in some sharp manoeuvres as they sped towards the windward mark on port tack. One or two collisions and a few 720 degree turns resulted in the ensuing melee.
Later in the afternoon, the cadet members enjoyed a relay race in which two Toppers were sailed, each containing a full team of twelve screaming kids! Cliffe Pirates eventually prevailed over the Bluey Raiders.
Interspersed with the fun afloat was a wonderful buffet organised with great skill by Social Secretary Doreen Kent, and the day was rounded off with a light hearted quiz.
After recent uncertainty about its future, Blue Circle can look forward to the next 50 years with great optimism and confidence.
Overall Results:
Seniors
1st Brian and Diana Gregory (Snipe)
2nd Andrew Wibroe and John Williams (Snipe)
3rd David Jones (Laser)
Juniors
1st Andrew Wniboe (Snipe)
2nd Ashlyn Gillham (Topper)
3rd Luke Harvey (Laser)
First Grandparent
Mike Kent (Lightning 368)