SAILING REPORT

The Regatta Tea this year at Helford River Sailing Club took an unexpectedly bustling turn, as both the tide and weather conspired to challenge the timings of the festivities. Participants from Falmouth Sailing Week sought refuge in HRSC’s hospitality, complete with fantastic cakes, sandwiches, and teas, all meticulously coordinated by Di Best & our social committee.

The tide, unusually low for this years Regatta Tea, compelled our liberty boat crews to disembark passengers at Golden Gear steps, from where the competitors faced a short trek across Treath’s beach to reach the club. Thirsty sailors found solace in the Ale bar, while the Cornish Food Hub’s BBQ filled plates, and racers.

The party really started as the clubhouse came alive with live music from Tiger Tales. At least 150 members and sailing guests found themselves dancing along to the music by the end of the evening. The terrace offered a perfect vantage point, treating everyone to the full panorama of the Helford River.

Despite the challenges, the Regatta Tea turned into a resounding success, a testament to the spirit of camaraderie and celebration that binds the sailing community together.

We’d like to thank everyone who donated their food, time and efforts to making the event such a success.

Picture © The Corporation of Trinity House 2016

Helford River Navigational Aids Committee are pleased to announce that they have secured a grant from Trinity House Charitable trust to renew the Voose buoy. It will be larger than the present buoy and will also be lit. Light sequence Q fl 1sec. We hope to have it on station by mid July.

Members are also warned to keep well clear of Bar buoy at low water springs. Remember it is only an aid to navigation. The same applies to August Rock buoy!

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

FULL RACE RESULTS

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.

Thanks to a massive effort by HRSC Commodore JC Bolitho and his teams, and indeed Falmouth Divers, by the 20th April:

Pontoon was open for business – MIND the GAP between the Quay & Repaired Bridge.
Dinghy Park, largely cleared Racks repaired
Dinghy Racing Marks refurbished, set & racing began in glorious sunshine
Wayfarers repaired and rejuvenated
Wayfarer, Drascombe, Safety & Committee moorings redesigned & replaced.
Committee & Safety  boats overhauled and improved to an exceptional standard.

Now’s the time to pat each other on the backs,  shake hands by way of thank you,  get out on the water,  and celebrate the season to come when greeting old, new friends and holiday makers alike.

If the Helford is not an elixir of life – what is?

er, yer dont have to drink it, just immerse, something which racers, canoeists and swimmers do willingly (mostly)

It is with sadness that we report the passing of past Commodore Adrian Miller on 1st February. Although suffering from a long term illness he was ultimately a victim of the Covid 19 pandemic. 

Adrian served as Commodore from 1998 until 2001, having previously served as Secretary and Vice Commodore.

During his first year he oversaw the club’s 50th Anniversary celebrations. The highlight was the Jubilee Regatta on the 6th June with races for allcomers. To compliment the celebrations Adrian produced the booklet “Helford River Sailing Club The first fifty years”, a general history of the club and clubhouse.

His second year saw the 40th anniversary of the annual race to L’Aber Wrac’h with over sixty boats taking part.

During his third year Adrian was instrumental in setting up the Charter of Friendship with L’Aber Wrac’h and Landeda. Copies of this Charter hang on the wall of the club and the wall of the Hotel de Ville in Landeda.

Adrian’s lasting legacy was at the time less noticeable, but has stood the test of time. He was keen to see the sailing facilities at the club improved and Adrian did a substantial amount of the groundwork and behind the scenes negotiations that resulted in the planning application for the dinghy park extension and the pontoons that we all enjoy today.

The club extends its sincerest condolences to his wife Pam and the rest of his family.

Rob Hewett – Trustee