Saturday 24th October 2009
Prize Giving and the Dining Room looked at its best, curtains drawn against the darkening evening, an extra polish on the silver as befits the occasion and comfort food, traditional Steak & Kidney Pud. More than eighty members were ready to greet and congratulate the Season's Champions but only after justice was done to the puddings!
It had been a busy day in the Club, the RCODs considering the maintenance of their classic, wooden boats and Members examining the exhibition of the plans and images of the proposed, new pontoon. The Vice Commodore reported briefly on the pontoon discussions and then left it to Rear Commodore Sailing, Robert Coyle, to preside over the prizes.
It seemed only proper that a Mathew (Anthony) should receive the St. Mathew Cup, awarded for team racing between the four Burnham Clubs. This beautiful art deco trophy, with helmeted Victories supporting the handles, was first presented in 1947 to commemorate the requisition of the Burnham water front by the Admiralty in WWII. It has been celebrated every year since, totalling 63 years and RCYC leads in the total victories with 24 to the 22 of the nearest rival, BSC.
The Corinthian Cruise of the Year Trophy has been awarded to Roger Taylor for his remarkable single-handed voyage to Jan Mayen Island in his 21' junk-rigged Corribee Mingming. This year Roger towed Mingming to the northern tip of Scotland before starting his sailing to enable him to get as far as possible in the time available. The Cruiser Fleet look forward to hearing of his adventures during the winter and all Club members will be welcome to come along.
Amongst the trophies collected by the Dragon Class, David Hall beamed as he collected the Karl Marx Trophy. Presented originally by Bobbie Melville to the allegedly communist Peter Gimpel to be awarded over the May Bank Holiday weekend, David was pleased to be the winner and would probably have been more pleased if the original tradition of also presenting a bottle of vodka was still followed!
There was really only one winner in the RCOD Class this season - Bobby Melville, who swept the board of everything in sight. So firm was his hold over the results for the season that, at one point, he seemed to be both the winner AND the runner-up of the Seasons Points although eventually he allowed John Heathfield the second place. The Club saluted Bobby in his win although he modestly conceded that he had probably had more practice than anyone else!
The Corinthian Cruising fleet is not known for its racing prowess so was pleased to announce winners for their two trophies. Sue and Graham King in Quick Reflex collected the Swallowtail Trophy, presented in memory of Pauline Anthony and Alex Jervis in Orla won the David Eagling Memorial Prize.
The Squib Class has a splendid array of trophies to be claimed and the Buckleys, Paul & Sarah in Electra were dominant at the beginning of the Season, winning the Early Series Trophies for both Saturdays and Sundays. Pat Buckley collected the trophies on their behalf as Paul and Sarah are awaiting the arrival of Baby Buckley who is not in a hurry to shift!
The Presentation Ceremony over, all that remained was for Members to congratulate the winners with toasts from the trophies and, perhaps, make a resolution to try a little harder next year...
Wendy Eagling
