Mid Thames Trophy 2 May 2009

The Mid-Thames Trophy event is is for Aquarius, Desborough, Hampton, Laleham, Littleton, and Staines Sailing Clubs; this year it was Staines turn to host it.

Staines SC is on a North-South bit of the Thames about a mile upstream of Penton Hook; a  similar width to us with tall flats opposite the club. Their club house was a doctors surgery that they purchase around 1962; although the clubs roots go back to the mid 1930s.

On the preceding Thursday the weather forecast said zero wind; it had improved by Friday to 1mph!! At times it was a bit more than that but it was very difficult to make way upstream, the wind came from all directions and you often didn’t realise it had changed.

With an entry of 22 it was necessary to have 2 starts; the first was for the 9 Enterprises and a Merlin and the second was for the rest, mainly Lasers. All three races were sailed but in the last race half the fleet retired.

The event was dominated by the 8 Hampton boats; they took the first 4 to 5 places in each race. Aquarius had 6 boats and did well to be 2nd club.

Although the sailing was poor we were well fed by Staines SC and there was a very good atmosphere.

First race - Picture by Staines SC