Thank you

With the new regulations underway today I am pleased to announce that we can now allow people inside the clubhouse.

To book a table please email [email protected] or call 01326 231460

Dear Member

I have the honour of being elected Commodore of HRSC, so a little profile of my connection to the Helford River and HRSC.

I was born just outside of St Keverne, about a quarter of a mile from Coverack Bay. At 18 months old the family moved to Withan Farm which ran down to Frenchman’s Creek. We spent a few years at Treveador Farm again bordering Frenchman’s Creek and the Helford River, a short time at Trewothack Farm overlooking Falmouth Bay, back to Withan Farm where I lived until I moved to my own farm which overlooks Carn Creek, so all of my life has been within a short distance of the water.

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.

*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 […]

Hello and welcome to what will hopefully become a regular HRSC sailing update.

The RYA have issued guidance on what sailing activities can happen vs the government’s timetable. In summary organised activities are permitted from 29 March, and changing rooms and toilets can open from 12 April – when we should also be able to enjoy a socially distanced drink on the balcony 😀. From 17 May the club should be open indoors (subject to the rule-of-6), until 21 June when all restrictions will hopefully be lifted.