HRSC | ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Helford River Sailing Club will be held at the Clubhouse at 19.30 hrs on Friday 26th January 2024
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Helford River Sailing Club will be held at the Clubhouse at 19.30 hrs on Friday 26th January 2024
The Helford River Sailing Club’s tradition of hosting the hungry sailors of Falmouth Sailing Week is a well known and traditional event. It’s a great way to foster camaraderie among sailors, sharing super delicious cakes, sandwiches, and teas while rekindling friendships that have developed over the years of attending the races.
As always there will be tea, homemade sandwiches & cakes galore as well as fantastic food from the Cornish Food Hub plus amazing live music from ‘the Tiger Tales’ who will be playing from 5.30pm.
The Cornish Food Hub will be offering a wonderful BBQ all day!
Please let our Captain of Social, Diana Best, know on [email protected] or 07557342805 what you will be delivering to us on the day so we can make sure we have a diverse spread for all tastes. If you are able to volunteer on the day to help with plating up and clearing away please also talk to Diana.
Click through to see what’s on so far this January! We look forward to seeing you at the club.
Maija is a 50 year old Pioneer 10, owned by Chris Olsen. She races and does well in the HRSC Wednesday Evening Series.
Only three years ago, she was a boat yard derelict at Waldringfield in Suffolk. Her current owner got her seaworthy and with her current race crew was delivered to Gweek, where she was restored, mostly by Chris.
She performed well in the Falmouth Classics last year, but excelled herself this time around. As long as she does well in the forthcoming Fowey Classics, she stands in good stead to win her class and possibly “best boat” of the whole classic series.
Thank you Chris Newman for informing us of this fantastic story for the Helford sailing community
*NEW DATE & TIMES*
DUE TO BAD WEATHER THE MAY CUP HAS BEEN MOVED TO SUNDAY 16TH
On the Water at 1:00 PM | First race starts at 1:30 PM | BBQ at Clubhouse starts 5.30pm
Helford River Sailing Club is set to commemorate a remarkable milestone this summer as it prepares to host the 50th running of the May Cup on July 15th 16th. The annual family sailing race, with its long history, holds a special place in the hearts of the May family, whose deep connection with the Helford River spans several generations.
The love affair between the May family and Helford River began in the 1950s when Susanna May’s grandparents, Jack and Lynn Hills, first holidayed in the picturesque village. During that time, Fido May’s parents resided in Restronguet, and he often ventured to Helford, fostering a fondness for the area that would be passed down through the generations.
In the early years, Jack Hills became a member of the Helford River Sailing Club, fuelling his family’s passion for sailing. The three Hills siblings, Susanna, Martin, and Mimi, grew up learning to sail on the river, immersing themselves in the exhilaration and serenity that the Helford waters provided. Their early experiences on the water laid the foundation for a lifelong connection with the sailing club.
The family’s association with Helford River Sailing Club solidified when Susanna and Fido tied the knot and started a family of their own around 1964 or 1965. The May family’s sailing adventures extended beyond the river, with memories of a voyage to France aboard a Silhouette 17 etched in their minds from those early years. While Fido preferred the speed of motorboats over traditional sailing vessels, he always found a way to contribute by serving as the rescue boat for various river events and Falmouth Week, demonstrating his unwavering support for the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution). Through these endeavours, he forged connections with the skippers of working boats around Falmouth, further enriching the family’s maritime experiences.
In the May family’s sailing chronicles, a special place is reserved for the oyster dredger named Mary Rose, a vessel treasured by all. While Mary Rose was never raced due to its unfavourable tacking capabilities, it symbolized the spirit of family togetherness on the water, providing countless unforgettable moments for the May family.
In 1971, Susanna assumed the role of a dedicated sailing instructor, teaching her children and others in the community how to sail in a Mirror dinghy. This endeavour inspired Susanna to organize a handicap race that would bring together sailors of all ages and abilities. Her husband, took it upon himself to find a trophy, leading to the birth of the May Cup in 1973.
As the years passed, the May family’s sailing journey evolved. In their teenage years, they entered the Delta cohort, an entirely different sailing experience. Their vessel, Triton, numbered 19, competed in the Delta Championship, the Nairn Cup, and the regular weekly races. Sailing in the 1970s presented its challenges, with courses set from The Point and […]
The 62nd Helford to L’Aber Wrac’h race was held on 23rd June 2023 This year we had thirteen yachts, 6 French and 7 English, taking on the challenge of the Channel crossing, with 11 boats crossing the finish line.
The wind was changeable, starting with a good breeze on the nose, which then went Westerly and variable near the French coast in the morning, the ultimate boat taking 3 hours to go six miles.
The 1st five yachts finished within within 32 minutes of each other, a credit to the handicap committee. Only two boats retired, one motoring on to L’Aber Wrac’h, seeing seven pods of dolphins and two whales on the way and the other returning to Helford.
The prizegiving was held at the Yacht Club des Abers with a speech by David Kerlan, Mayor of Landeda & L’Aber Wrac’h and Rob Hewett, representing HRSC. Rob and Sue Hewett presented the prizes.
RACE RESULTS – The Winners
1st Calypso Jean Francoise Caraes
2nd & Sundancer Trophy for 1st Helford Yacht – Xenia Paddy Royall
3rd Atahualpa David Guillam
Marie Jo Trophy was awarded to James Christie on Xenia, as the youngest competitor in the race.
The Bobby Martin Trophy for the 1st Yacht under 30” was awarded to Chris Clark on Grand Cru
Thanks must go to Daniel Dagorn, for the Prizegiving photographs and the YCA for the Race reception. Also to Rob Hewett, Anthony Jenkin, Johnny Walker, John Mills for Race Organization, and those who arranged and helped with a great Champagne reception.
Would any Members be interested in taking part in model yacht racing during the winter months?
We already have some Members who are keen but it would be good to have more to make up regular racing sessions.
If so there could be two series, one before Christmas and one after the New Year.
If you are interested in becoming involved in this very enjoyable pastime, please contact Penny in the Club office on 01326 231006 or send an email.