Richard Harris Successfully Defends Trowlock Trophy

Published 01:00 on 15 Oct 2023

The weather forecast was bang on a sometimes brisk Northerly accompanied by wall to wall sunshine. It was even possible to sit out in the sun at lunchtime.

Sixteen boats turned out for the annual Trowlock Trophy Handicap Pursuit race. Visiting entries came from Lensbury SC, Minima YC and Silver Wing SC.

The conditions were perfect for a beat down stream to below the end of Trowlock Island and a spinnaker run to a buoy approx 100m above the club.

The wind was swinging from north west to north east, so competitors had to take care to stick to the leeward bank on the way up.

Tim Medcalf in his Solo was first to start at 1115 followed a minute later by the Enterprises. Next were the ILCA 7s (Lasers) followed by National 18s and Merlins.

Racing was close throughout the three rounds that most were able to complete. Tim was mixing with the Enterprises Robin Broomfield and Paul Bloomfield and Paul and Katy Engelmann but Richard Harris and Emma McDonald in Merlin Passing Cloud eventually got into the lead in good time for the finish at 1230. Paul and Katy Engelmann were well ahead of the rest of the Enterprises on the first beat down, but lost it all on the run back up to the club.

The following photos were of the last few minutes of the race. Not sure why the Sea Cadet training boat decided to join in!

The race finished everyone repaired to the clubhouse for lunch and a drink.

Colin Stokes kindly consented to present the prizes.

My thanks to the others on the Race team Brendan Hills in the box, Chris Wade and Glyn Hatton in the Patrol Boat who did a great job. Also to Josie, Charlotte C and Maya who kept us fed and watered.

Photos: Chris Wade and Carolyne Vines (last three)

Last updated 22:17 on 27 April 2025