Who would be a sailing event organiser with the sort of weather we get these days? The annual Classics Cruise week began on a high note, with the fun regatta in Ipswich dock on the Sunday held in warm sunny weather. The moderate SW’ly wind held on the Monday for the cruise to Woodbridge on the Deben and the sun shone for a mystery tour by classic coach to the engineering museum at Leiston.
The wind wasn’t too bad either for the trip down river to the Ramsholt Arms for the traditional dinner, but it flattered only to deceive, picking up and up and forcing the cancellation of the race to the Walton Backwaters, the barbecue at Stone Point, the pursuit race to Mistley and the famous Wrabness BBQ. But the committee rose to the occasion, organising BBQs at Ramsholt and Pin Mill and saving up the free beer for a great party on Transcur (and others) when the fleet gathered at Levington on the final weekend. It wasn’t until the last day of the event that the wind moderated enough to hold the President’s race, won in fine style by Rik Graham in Kelpie II. But in spite of the conditions, the crews of all 46 participating boats had a great time, with lots of socialising and music in true gaffer style. Bernard Patrick          |