On The Water – July 2013 – Bob Warren

The season has finally started to warm up in all ways. This week the International 14s have been racing for their national championships at Restronguet. The Prince of Wales Cup; one of their races is the oldest and possibly the most prestigious dinghy race in the country. They have has a mixed bag of weather, but light winds look set for the big race.

For local interest, the working boat world championships is equally important and that’s taking place this weekend, so get out on Sunday and you should have a great view from my Nan’s’ favourite viewing point, St Mawes Castle. I hope that Brian Chenoweth and crew in the Mabel haven’t peaked too early, winning in a big fleet on Thursday evening.

The St Mawes team, Feva group, continue to be busy having had two traveller events, one at home and then a visit west to Penzance. On Sunday, they travel to the Helford to compete in the third of their series. The St Mawes sailors continue to do well and we are hoping for that a local boat will take the series again this year, watch this space.

The village regattas are underway now. Last weekend saw Point and Penpol attract a very hardy 25 boats in very demanding, gusty conditions. The competitors enjoyed some exciting ailing and excellent teas, as usual. This year, as usual, Charles Warren gave his traditional running commentary and it seems he’s also been snapped up by Percuil regatta in the absence of their regular commentator. His familiar tones will be floating around the river on the 18th of August.

Helford sailing club are having a busy weekend as they started the L’Aber Wrac’h race on Friday. Most boats are enjoying an excellent sail in about 20 knots of wind and a reach all the way. The early boats finished in the small hours and were looking forward to a liquid breakfast!

Roseland Gig club have started to recover from their exertions and have competed at Devoran, Pentewan and Point where the men’s, ladies and veteran’s crews had some good results. They are starting their popular Friday evening novice meets and race night next week the 5th of July, so why not pop down and give it a go to see what all the fuss is about; 130 boats can’t all be wrong.

Roseland wave riders have been to Sibblyback and came a creditable second place despite only having five sailors; each of whom pretty dominated their own class well. Good luck to Lucy Grayston, Lowenna Penny, Scarlet Croft and Ross Warren who will be at the junior Nationals next weekend at Rutland sailing club in the midlands.

Percuil sailing club have completed their five training evenings and enjoyed their first Friday evening races on the 28th with their junior members competing for the first time.

Top tip for sailing speed this month is to enjoy a good scrub and get your bottom polished before the big events.

Top tip for the rowers is that it’s only 11 weeks ’til Newquay; time to get back in the boat and start training!

There are so many ways to get afloat and enjoy our beautiful peninsula, whether you just want to enjoy a peaceful paddle on the Percuil, a bracing surf or SUP on our beaches, or some exciting racing with paddle or sails. The water has really warmed up, so see you out there!

Up coming events this month (well a few of them anyway)

4-7th SB20 championships RCYC
6th Roseland Triathlon, lots of talented locals competing!
6th St Mawes social club regatta
6th Truro Gig club event Turnaware
13-14th Mariholm, IOD and 18ft Restricted National championships St MSC
19-21st Ajax SW championships St MSC
20th COGS Helford Penzance HRSC
26th COGS PASAB PSC

Blimey it’s going to be a busy month!

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