Burnham Week 2024: Day 4 Highlights and Activities
Burnham Week 2024 Day 4
24-31 August 2024
Sunshine and gentle southerly winds set the stage for very close racing for the day boats.
The southerly wind direction presented a challenge for the Race Officer in setting the course for three classes of cruisers, ultimately choosing a triangle-shaped course around Ron Pipe, Clarks, and the Crouch cardinal mark.
Phil Collard’s Cobra clinched victory in Class 1 and 2 races, marking their fourth win of the week, followed closely by Digger Harden’s Sorcerer.
In Class 5, which features local handicap with spinnakers, Richard Taylor’s Rondo secured the win, with a Corinithian Otters crew sailing a Royal Corinthian Yacht Club 707, helmed by Angus Beale, finishing in second place alongside crew members Amelia Hague, Nathan Flynn, Amy Sheppard, Callum Clarke, and Arthur Sturmer.
Class 6 experienced a lively atmosphere after some competitors from the faster Bank Holiday classes decided to ditch their spinnakers for a more leisurely racing experience, resulting in eight entries for the Mid Week race.
Ultimately, Richard Moore’s Ophelia won the race, with Philip Harbott’s Mantra and John Saunders’ Jeannie following closely behind.
The day boats enjoyed an easier course due to their lower draft, which allowed them to navigate up the Roach even at low tide, although one Squib, identifiable by its yellow hull, created quite the stir by digging a trench in the Branklet spit.
Racing commenced with the Dragons, where Peter Marchant’s Beauty and the Beast came from behind to claim victory, trailed by Mark Wade’s Avalanche and David Warner’s Dublin Bay.
The Squibs, reduced slightly in numbers compared to the Bank Holiday, saw Nemesis 806, helmed by Ray Apthorp and Ian Simons, taking first place, followed by National Champions Spoof 811, helmed by Micky Wright and Alex Porteous in second, and Malcolm and Jackie Hutchings’ Lady Penelope in third.
A special mention goes to Mia, just eleven years old, who helmed What’s the Story 779 with her parents as crew. Not only did she become possibly the youngest Squib helm during Burnham Week, but she also finished in fourth place, ahead of some river legends.
The Royal Corinthian One Design day began with a hiccup for Clive and Graeme Page’s Corpo Santo, which faced an underwater challenge during the “set up a new burgee up the mast” maneuver. However, thanks to the swift action of the Rice and Cole launch, they made it to the start line.
The RCOD race featured eight boats at the start, with Justin Waples’ Cormorant taking home the win, followed by Martin Makey’s Corinna and Nick Bacon’s Corella.
In the Royal Burnham One Design regatta, Stephen Herring’s Red Jacket claimed another bullet victory, followed by James Dallimore’s Whimbrel and Peter Shaw’s White Rose.
The East Coast One Design race had seven out of eight boats starting, with Beccs Polden’s Delphine emerging victorious, followed closely by the local boat Wizard, helmed by David Smith, and the ECOD Association’s Rhythm, helmed by Dan Halley.
The river continues to buzz with activity as the Squibs and the ECOD, two classes that boast origins in Burnham-on-Crouch, take center stage.
For detailed 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.