Minima Yacht Club Regatta 2024: Join the Ultimate Sailing Experience

Minima Yacht Club’s Regatta 2024

Solos nearest camera are John Wilkey’s (left) and Andy Banks, both from the home club – Minima Regatta 2024 © Eileen Barry

Minima Yacht Club’s 2024 regatta was the best attended, just possibly simply the best, since 2012.

Ten days prior, forecasts pointed towards a dull drift, but the weather proved unpredictable, resulting in thrilling sailing conditions at Kingston over the weekend.

Sailors from five local clubs came together, with 27 boats taking part in challenging yet enjoyable river-sailing conditions characterized by a gusty and shifty breeze primarily blowing from the north-east. The gusts reached up to Force 5, but their inconsistent timing and direction created a tough challenge, leading to a record 16 capsizes throughout the competition.

The sailing experience was captivating—crews typically favored the leeward bank, occasionally overtaken by more daring competitors seeking puffs in the middle of the river, as the wind shifted east or north. The racing environment was marked by fierce gusts and numerous wind holes, catching even the most experienced helms off-guard.

Despite a gloomy and warm Saturday, which welcomed the first day of autumn, Sunday shone brightly, marking the last day of summer. As the wind eased slightly, the more cautious sailors ventured out, although the wind continued to throw surprises their way. Participants noted the Thames unexpectedly warm.

The intensity of the regatta brought forth an exhilarating mix of sailors, with various classes competing, including Ents navigating through the Laser pre-start, despite meticulous planning from race officer Paul Bloomfield. Twickenham Commodore James Lee praised the collaboration among River Clubs, expressing gratitude and highlighting ongoing opportunities to work together at Hampton and Tamesis in the upcoming weekend.

The Lasers and Solos stood out as the largest classes—reflecting the increasingly individualistic trend in the 21st Century—with eight boats each. While Solos fluctuated in participation, Lasers led the capsizing numbers in diverse ways, from incidents at the landing stage to blown-over boats on the leeward bank, to spectacular displays of agility by helmsmen James Hamilton of Tamesis and Ed Cubitt of Minima.

The Laser class was notably dominated by Tamesis visitors, with Tom Bull achieving three first-place finishes, compared to one each for last year’s champion Henry Medcalf and Peter Impey. Minima’s Keith Payne closely trailed the leaders.

In the Solos, Twickenham’s Nick Titley showcased his prowess with four first-place finishes, easily outpacing the competition, including the home club’s John Wilkey, who came in second. A brief participation from Tim Medcalf of Tamesis, who secured first and second on Sunday morning, added excitement to the races. Minima’s Jon Fray landed third, steadily climbing the ranks.

The Enterprise class, although feeling increasingly rare, still featured seven entries, resulting in some engaging races filled with capsize incidents during the gusty but enjoyable Saturday races. Ed Mayley, James Lee, and Robin Broomfield each claimed victories, with Ed securing three wins overall to take top honors.

In Portsmouth Yardstick, a lone Merlin helmed by Paul Seamen found itself up against Erica Bishop’s nearly-new Topper 6.4. Despite the handicap, Seamen managed to victor in a single race where conditions allowed for spinnaker use.

Results (Minima unless stated):

Enterprise:

1 Ed Mayley, James Budden
2 Robin Broomfield, Anchalee Broomfield

Laser:

1 Tom Bull (Tamesis)
2 Henry Medcalf (Tamesis)

Solo:

1 Nick Titley (Twickenham)
2 John Wilkey

Portsmouth Yardstick:

1 Erica Bishop
2 Paul Seamen

New Sailors:

Gavin Barkley