Burnham Week 2024: Day 6 Events, Activities, and Highlights
Burnham Week 2024: Highlights from Day 6
24-31 August 2024
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Sunshine, confused winds, and tactical maneuvers characterized the sixth day of Burnham Week.
Class 1 & 2 competitors raced in their familiar territory at the confluence of the rivers Crouch and Roach, with Phil Collard’s Cobra securing yet another victory while Digger Harden in Sorcerer retired from the race.
In Class 5, Jack Mills’ Outlaw, now bearing the Banksy-on-Crouch artwork, claimed victory ahead of the Corinthian Otters 707. As a result, the Corinthian Otters observed an overnight second-place ranking, trailing Richard Taylor’s Rondo.
Class 6 saw a fiercely contested battle where Philip Harbott’s Mantra triumphed, followed closely by Richard Moore’s Ophelia. Ophelia sits at the top of the leaderboard, just one point behind Mantra.
The day boats, including Dragons, Squibs, and various one design classes, commenced their races off the Burnham Sailing Club line, heading up the river.
The Dragons race unfolded with laps around Cliff and Canewdon, culminating in a win for Mark Wade’s Avalanche 722, while Peter Marchant’s Beauty and the Beast 746 took the runner-up spot.
The Royal Corinthian One Design 8 boats fleet completed two scheduled races on a town course, entertaining spectators on the shore. The first race saw Clive and Graeme Page’s Corpo Santo emerge victorious, followed by Martin Makey’s Corinna and Nick Bacon’s Corella.
The second race was slightly shortened and witnessed Justin Waples’ Cormorant securing a better start, managing to keep the lead until the finish. Corinna and Corella followed in second and third, respectively.
Stephen Herring’s Red Jacket continued its winning streak in the Royal Burnham One Design race, with James Dallimore’s Whimbrel in second place and Will Dallimore’s Mandarin finishing third.
The East Coast One Design race featured seven boats racing to Shortpole Reach, showcasing the stunning River Crouch. However, the crew of Gi Gi, a yellow-hulled boat, opted to take a break on the Cliff Reach muds, enjoying a sunny afternoon while waiting for the tide.
Local boat Wizard, helmed by David Smith, claimed victory followed by ECOD Association’s Rhythm with Dan Halley at the helm, rounding out the top three were Rhythm’s Delphine, all within a point of each other.
The confused winds and laps around Fairway 13 and Fairway 3 near the three organizing clubs led to a thrilling Squibs race. Micky Wright and Alex Porteous, reigning National Champions, on Spoof 811, showcased their skills and won by a substantial margin.
A tactical error by Phillip and Marion Aspinall on Guy Fawkes 72, who chose the south shore while returning to Fairway 13, caused them to drop from second to fifth place, allowing Ian Scott and Iona Martin on Squabble 854, as well as Ben Luddington and Bill Wright on The Black Pig 874, to move ahead, with Ian and Iona finishing second overall.
It was a difficult day for Ben and Bill, who had held third for most of the race but ultimately placed fifth. Meanwhile, the current leaders of the Squibs week, Ray Apthorp and Ian Simons aboard Nemesis 806, navigated an initial challenge but leveraged their river knowledge to restore themselves to a respectable third position, maintaining their overall lead.
For detailed race results, visit www.burnhamweek.com/results-2024.
Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.