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The 63rd Helford to L’Aber Wrac’h race was held on 28th June 2024. There were 23 yachts entered, 5 French and 18 English, taking on the challenge of the Channel crossing. Three yachts took the decision not to start so 21 yachts crossed the line with a good westerly breeze. Unfortunately the wind died at dusk and did not return so no yachts were able to finish the race before the time limit was up. 14 yachts used their ‘Iron topsails’ to reach L’Aber Wrac’h in time for the reception at Yacht Club des Abers.

Rob Hewett gave a speech en francais. He said:

‘It is always difficult to manage the race when there is no wind, and too much wind. Sometimes entrants are not happy with their handicap or ask that we change how the race is run. But we must remember that historically one of the reasons for the race is to assist those who wish to cross the Channel for the first time. This was exactly the case for one of the entrants, Coral Carona, this year and they were very happy. Perfect!’

It has refreshed the spirit of the race, to encourage people to cross the Channel in company.

One prize was presented, The Marie-Jo trophy, to the youngest competitor in the race. This was presented to Jeanne Caraes, who took part with her father and grandfather on Calypso. Four generations of the Caraes family have now taken part in this race.

We were also pleased to welcome the COGS (Cornwall Offshore Group Sailing) Yachts to join the HRSC Helford to L’Aber Wrac’h race this year and hope they will return next year.

The race was preceded by an excellent Champagne recovery party, at HRSC, with great music by The Stowes and a tasty bar-b-que by the Club caterers. Thanks must go to the YCA for the Race reception, the port of L’Aber Wrac’h, and Daniel Dagorn for the YCA Reception photographs. Also to Rob Hewett, Anthony Jenkin and Johnny Walker, those who manned the Start line, and those who arranged and helped with a great Champagne reception.

Ollie and Nathan are seeking new staff at HRSC. If any of your family or friends are interested, please get in with the office.

Bar Staff

Ollie our Bar Steward is seeking a personable, enthusiastic person to join our friendly bar team here at Helford River Sailing Club in Helford Village as we gear up for the busy summer season and looking to continue throughout the year.

Your duties:

You will need to be knowledgeable about beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks.

Handle cash/card transactions accurately and efficiently.

Able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Provide our members with excellent customer service.

Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the bar area, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Your Experience:

Previous experience working in a restaurant or bar setting is essential.

Strong communication skills and a friendly demeanour towards guests.

Kitchen Porter

Nathan our chef is seeking a KP(Pot Washer) aged 16yrs or over. No previous experience necessary. You will be vital addition to the friendly team at HRSC.

Rodney Myers has been in touch with the club to advise us that Johnny Blunden died aged 99 on his 99th birthday in early February.

Johnny was a founder member of the club in 1948. Rodney Myers and his sister Jane will be attending his funeral on March 4th at 2pm at Urchfont village church.

Rodney has kindly sent us these memories and a photo of Johnny to share with you, the members of HRSC.

The club was formed by a small bunch of enthusiasts in 1948 when Culdrose Air Station opened. They were very helpful & used to race their whalers on the Helford. The group who got the club started were Mr Kirby, Johnny Blunden, Bets Williams (then Betty Danby) Mary Gardiner, Peter Danby & Robin Momber. Bets is the sole survivor now. She was 19 years old in 1948 & now lives in Constantine, having lost 2 husbands. The committee originally met in a room at Selangor, Bar Road, where Bets lived with John Edwards (they were married). They needed more space, so my parents invited them to come to Trewince for meetings & social occasions & they got very involved in the development of HRSC. Johnny was a pilot at Culdrose flying Venoms & other prop planes & jets such as the Sea Vixen. He became great chums with my parents who sailed & raced an old gaff cutter called Otter. There is a framed photo of Otter in the club.

Trewince Hotel became almost a second mess for the young officers & Saturday nights was food, drink, dancing & party time. Several unfit to return to base so the large sofas were often occupied until breakfast time!

As a youngster Blunden was a bit of a hero for being a pilot of a jet, plus he had a lovely old Riley with running boards (always breaking down) plus he was a good sailor & became a huge family friend. He was Godfather to my younger sister who was christened at Culdrose. So, a long association & I last met him a few months ago on our way up country for a pub lunch.

Best Wishes to you & the club.

Rodney