Mid Thames Trophy

On Saturday 2 May AQSC competed in the 2009 Mid Thames Trophy at Staines SC. We entered six boats made up of Richard Cannon & Liz Archer in his ST368, Mike Baker, Nigel Knowles, Charles Dennis and Rodger Wheeler in Lasers, and Graham Thompson in his Graduate.

Hampton, Aquarius, Staines and Desborough entered teams but Laleham and Littleton were not represented.

The weather was sunny and warm while the wind, what there was of it, was 'circular' to say the least and very light (i.e. it was a drifter) with a light stream running.

Three races were held, each over the same course which consisted of one upstream and one downstream mark both taken to port. One race was held before lunch, the other two afterwards. There were two starts to each race, the Enterprises and Merlin Rocket went first followed by everybody else.

The sailing was a little disappointing with very light, variable direction winds all day. Conditions at the upstream end of the course were the best but even here it was dire at times.

Hampton's Enterprises swept all before them and by the end of the day had secured the first five places, and therefore, the Mid Thames Trophy with 18pts.

The Aquarius team came a creditable 2nd with 76pts. Graham Thompson our highest placed helm. Desborough were 3rd with127pts. Staines was 4th with 136pts.

We met a lot of old friends at Staines SC, had an excellent lunch and enjoyed a very well organised day.

Following the prize giving the winning team captain thanked Staines SC on behalf of all the visitors and it was confirmed that the 2010 event will be held at Aquarius SC, date to be decided.

Mike
(Lasers are hard on the knees) Baker