16th - 18th June 2006
A fleet of six RCODs started their Regatta with no previous experience of windward/leeward courses. They faced three races back to back from a Committee Boat start near the Roach. They were joined by two Royal Burnham ODs, Will Dallimore in Mandarin and David Beale in Blue Jacket. Kim Allen did a great job on Friday afternoon fitting in the planned three races, all with excellent courses despite the variable winds which are a Race Officer's nightmare.
On the Friday Rob Campbell in Corinthia took the honours for all three races with Corinna and Corpo Santo alternately in close pursuit. Blue Jacket enjoyed the close racing alongside the RCODs and took home the honours for the RBs.
Owners and crew past and present attended the formal dinner on Friday evening, partaking of a superb meal and enjoying the company, preceeded by a Champagne Reception. The Champagne plus quantities of the Club's excellent wine stock, ensured the success of the following auction, raising a terrific £2010 for the restoration fund. At the close of the evening the melodic sounds of the traditional RCOD sing song could be heard from the nostalgic stalwarts.
The wind unfortunately did not give notice that it wished a lie in the following morning, so we all sat on the moorings for an hour or so under the blazing sun until called ashore to refresh, recoat with sun cream and return a couple of hours later with the fitful wind filling in from the sea. The Race Officer skilfully managed to squeeze in two races on a town course before the tide turned, Bob Melville in Corinna lead the fleet, now eight with the addition of Coram & Coryphee, for both races, with Victor Prior, a past owner replacing Rob Campbell in Corinthia, taking a respectable 4th.
The final race on Sunday morning got off to a slow spinnaker start down the river and up the Roach, with the southerly wind continuing fitful. Bob Melville took up the lead of the eight boat fleet, chased by Corpo Santo & Corindelle, while John Apps (last seen heading for French Guyana) ably helming Corinthia held Cormorant off to retain 4th position. This ensured Corinthia's overall positioning of 2nd to Corinna, with Fleet Captain John Heathfield in Corpo Santo squeezed into 3rd. The Prize Giving lunch held in the Dining Room was just right to complete the festivities.
Lynn Frost
