Burton Week is the National 12 annual regatta.
A fabulous four days! Not the steadiest wind forecast nor the largest fleet, spring tides, unknown committee boat, I was just a little apprehensive. Two years ago, we could have left the marks in overnight every night as we had a constant NE 4.
Regular readers of the newsletter, along with class association members will have seen the write up in Yachts & Yachting. When asked if I had anything to offer, I was a little bamboozled. What more was there to add?
So I decided to collect a few anecdotes that might give an impression of our mindsets. The photo I have included says it all. When I joined the club over 20 years ago and jumped on board Stephen Read’s tugboat, “Pochard” to assist Tim O’Leary, Luke was a cadet, crewing for the likes of Andrew (Bart) Deveney and Adrian Shafto. Luke is now our de facto Event Safety Officer and, although he gives Phillip Pearce a lot of credit, he is relaxed, authoritative, competent and humble whilst making our lives easy.
Photo of Luke and Pip
The group of people who make up the regatta team are, in a sense, a disparate assortment. Yet everyone contributes and is encouraged to do so, even if it might appear to be outside their remit. Day three dawned with more wind than we had seen so far. Undaunted, the Race Committee set off to assess the conditions. Fresh to frightening with wind against tide and very steep waves off the dip. First windspeed reading was 21 gusting 25 knots and I couldn’t see the 12s surviving for too long. “Committee Boat, Committee Boat, Giles, Giles.” It was Jack Lennard, fresh from running the racing for the Club Regatta. He suggested we take a look at the conditions in front of Bawdsey Manor. Whilst not perfect, the sea state was significantly smoother and we got two races away.
Max Evans had left crewing Gypsy, his motor yacht, which he kindly lent to the club for the event, to me. I started the process. Subsequently Max told me that a few members had expressed an interest in coming aboard and helping with race management. We were blessed with the presence, amongst others, of three Whites – Pete, Dave and Pam. Having that experience is phenomenal. Having the likes of the Whites and indeed the skipper to bounce ideas with is a privilege. Having my convictions supported, especially on the Monday and Wednesday when we had 70° windshifts, was wonderfully uplifting.
On Monday, the National 12 Owner’s Association had their AGM and formal dinner. I was camped out in the boat yard, wondering what to do for tea. Step in, Lucy Read. “Would you like to come and have fish and chips at ours?” About half of the safety team, some of the beach crew and I had a lovely evening, courtesy of the Reads (no relation!) What they have done to that house is incredible. It is dedicated to sailing and socialising and immaculate. I ordered fish, chips and mushy peas. I knew that without the peas, it was at least £11, so I offered Lucy £15, which she refused accepting only a tenner. I slipped a fiver in between the place mats Lucy was collecting, thinking that a done deal. The next morning, as Lucy shook my hand, she slipped me the fiver. A very genuine and generous family.
It is thrilling to be at sea in lively conditions, trying to second guess the conditions and set a fair course. I don’t know how, on the Monday and Thursday, I picked the prevailing wind direction from the variety on offer. I do know that the team gave me confidence. One person, who shall remain nameless (he knows who he is) told me not to keep checking the wind direction. And he was spot on. If I had, I would have kept changing the course, when it was best left alone. But the best moments were sat around a table with 6, 16 or 26 club members, enjoying the craic. Thank you, all.
Roger Lewis
Principal Race Officer