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2024 Bottle Boat Championship & Junior Championship at Waldringfield Sailing Club

Waldringfield Sailing Club once again hosted the annual Bottle Boat Championship, featuring 9 entries and 8 boats competing in each of the 15 races. The combination of the ebb tide on the River Deben and a north-westerly wind provided an excellent challenge for the competitors.

Noel Fraser’s impressive performance saw him lead the fleet throughout Race 1, finishing ahead of Robert Norris and Bernard Kufluk. However, John Fish’s number 14 boat went out of control and didn’t complete the course, leading to assistance from the club’s rescue boat.

In Race 2, Robert Norris improved his performance to secure the win, overcoming young 11-year-old Elliott Mason, who was sailing a borrowed boat. Stephen Videlo, who faced challenges in Race 2, bounced back to win Race 3, followed by Bernard’s victory in Race 5. Elliott showcased his skills and won Race 7, with Robert and Bernard finishing behind him. The leaderboard during lunch was competitive, with Bernard leading at 12 points, closely followed by Noel and Robert at 13 points, and Stephen at 19 points.

Competitors enjoyed a barbecue organized for new members, who were treated to an exciting view of the Bottle Boat races from the clubhouse.

After lunch, the tide changed, creating a strong ebb and minimal wind. In Race 10, competitors who tacked near the shore managed to make headway against the tide, with Bernard crossing the finish line first, followed by Stephen and Noel. Unfortunately, Race 11 had to be abandoned as the wind faded completely, causing the fleet to drift upstream.

After a short delay, Bernard successfully reset a shorter windward-leeward course in the only viable section of wind, which varied significantly. Young teams, including Lucas Fish and Elliott, along with Oliver teaming up with Helen Price, went head-to-head with the adults. Stephen won Race 12, with Bernard finishing second and the Lucas/Elliott team in third. The finish of Race 13 was particularly close, with Oliver and Helen narrowly winning ahead of Bernard and Stephen, all crossing the line almost simultaneously. Noel triumphed in Race 14, closely followed by Bernard, with Oliver and Helen again demonstrating strong performances. In the final Race 15, Noel took the lead initially, but Bernard emerged victorious, followed closely by the Lucas/Elliott team.

The trophies and prizes were presented by Celia Mason, who expressed gratitude to Roger for organizing this significant event—the 23rd annual championship—while also creatively crafting the boats from repurposed materials.

Elliott Mason was honored as the Junior Champion, finishing 4th overall, with the Helen/Oliver Mason team as the runners-up at 6th overall. All junior participants were thrilled to receive prizes of pencils and Mowan Joystix. Bernard clinched the Bottle Boat Championship Trophy, while Noel and Stephen, who finished in second and third respectively, also received practical prizes.

The next Bottle Boat event is scheduled for the Guildford Model Yacht Club Christmas Brass Monkey event on Saturday, December 14th.

Overall Results:

1st: Bernard Kufluk – 20 points
2nd: Noel Fraser – 26 points
3rd: Stephen Videlo – 31 points
4th: Elliott Mason – 36 points (Junior Champion with Lucas Fish)
5th: Robert Norris – 38 points
6th: Helen Price/Oliver Mason – 68 points (Junior runners-up)
7th: Mike Pert – 84 points
8th: John Fish – 99 points

All competitors hailed from Waldringfield Sailing Club.

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