Royal Thames Yacht Club Winter Trophy.

The 21st January was a cold morning. Having to make an early start, enthusiasm was not plentiful, local ponds were frozen as well as some boats. But gradually as the heaters were turned on at Ranelagh (which is not often) many more people began to arrive.

Once on the water starting upstream as usual, Ranelagh laid on an enjoyable race. Being taken by the tide and gusts of wind the group stayed together for the first leg. A nice up and down course seemed simple but as usual Ranelagh conditions were demanding, due to the bend of the river we manage to run onto a short reach and experienced a nice one tack beat further downstream.

Pre-start maneouvers

John Thornton and Helen Hilditch rounded the buoy first but were soon challenged by Graham Camm and Zoe Ballantyne who were in close pursuit. Sarah Edwards crewed by Alison Edwards (a new combination for the Edwards family) rounded third, but were caught up by John and Katy Medowcroft, who sustained their position and managed to get away, (despite having had to re-round the first buoy.)

The battles continued at the front with Graham and John, and a new battle started at the back with Sarah and Tom Hayhoe crewed by wife Natalie, meanwhile the Meadowcroft's were trying to enjoy a rather cold romantic sail alone in the middle!

The course was shortened but fortunately for Graham and Zoe (RIGHT) the positions at the front seemed stable, they maintained their lead long enough to win the race, closely followed by John and Helen. John and Katy finished third, but positions were still being fought for at the back. Tom rounded the last mark ahead of Sarah, who continued to follow closely behind. She closed the gap and managed to pass Tom in sight of the clubhouse to finish fourth. A total of five boats finished out of the seven entered.