 (The return of the Crouch Mafia) By late afternoon there were twelve gaffers and four classic Bermudans on the pontoon or out on moorings; an excellent gathering to celebrate 25 years of this event. The very first Crouch Rally in 1985 began with a barbecue in Cliff Reach on the Saturday night. Alice and Florrie, then Fambridge based, towed down a skiff full of timber for the bonfire. The following day’s race experienced light winds and a drift down river, but later a squall made sailing in the upper reaches interesting and created havoc amongst the Cadet open meeting off Creeksea. The gaffer fleet finished at North Fambridge and feasted in the Ferryboat Inn. This event was the brainchild of Brenda Jago, ably supported by George, but unfortunately neither were able to attend this year owing to George’s illness. However, their significant role was remembered and a card signed by all was later delivered to Smugglers Cottage.  Fast forward 25 years to Saturday night at the NFYC, where the Larkin’s ale proved a hit as usual and the barrel began to lighten as the afternoon passed into evening. Twenty nine crew sat down to a tasty fish and chip supper and eventually the musicians struck up, but the numerous early starts began to take their toll. Sunday morning – race day - the forecast was W to NW 5-7, decreasing 4 at times. The grey beginning was not encouraging and the thirty who sat down for breakfast did not seem too enthusiastic about racing! All eyes were on the anemometer, which occasionally hit Force 7 and boat names began to be crossed off the sign-on sheet until there were only eight left. Whisper, the new lightweight gaffer was the first to leave the pontoon, but soon returned for repairs. Ian Kemp and Rob Williamson were on station below the moorings with the committee boat. Eventually eight reefed boats were on the line; it could have been ten had not the skippers of Random and Charm, despite making preparations, decided a shore day was more attractive. Those not afloat gathered on the sea wall to watch the start. Mary Ritchie’s skipper had difficulty with his stopwatch and was aware that he was 20 seconds or so out on timing, however to ensure a good start he positioned the boat close to the committee boat. A gybe was necessary to avoid being over the line and then back onto to port as the rest of the fleet ran down to the start against the incoming tide. Soon Janner, the Heard 28, was crossing the line and despite being mid river, overtook Mary Ritchie. The fleet kept fairly well together to Fairway 15, where Janner rounded first, followed by Mary Ritchie. Unfortunately, the wind had already gone north west and the beat up Cliff Reach was tough. Janner slowed to sort out the jib and Mary Ritchie sailed past, only to be overtaken again above Canewdon. William and Greensleeves were fighting it out and making good speed to windward, however, Roy Hart, with Elder Gaffer Mike Peyton as crew, decided to lead William astray on the second down-wind leg and sailed past the Canewdon Buoy and was on his was to Cliff!  Janner crossed the line first, but Mary Ritchie was less than three minutes behind and saved her time on handicap to win the event. William’s earlier advantage over Greensleeves disappeared on the beat home, giving third place to Roy and Mike, while Deirdre, despite having sailed so well, decided that the final 50 metres through the moorings to the finish was a tack too far and motored across the line. Robinetta had duelled with Jacinta, but both decided that going back to Canewdon from Short Pole Reach was not attractive and retired, whilst Whisper suffered a further breakage. So on corrected time the first three boats were all from the Crouch including two from the host club. The Crouch Mafia rule, okay! Shortly after all the boats returned, force 8 gusts were recorded in the clubhouse. The increase in wind and water pouring off the saltings created a difficult sea around the head of the pontoon and the two Vertues with Rob and Mike aboard departed, but within an hour or so all was much calmer in the mooring zone. In the evening the wind dropped, the sun was out and the barbecue was underway. There was food a-plenty and prize-giving followed, with a reminder that this was the 25th anniversary. Soon the musicians were in full swing and we were entertained with singing, foot tapping tunes and recitations. Mike King led the latter, ably supported by Lorna Hill and Roy Hart. Mike seemed to have difficulties reading one piece and some brave soul suggested it was not surprising, as he had begun reading it well before the sun had set! Monday was quieter and several boats left early, but there were still more than 20 crew for breakfast. By lunchtime, apart from the local Fambridge Gaffers, there was no sign of the visitors and the pontoon began to fill with other craft.  A big thank you to Trevor Rawlinson, supported by Elaine, for organising a very enjoyable event. Also to Pauline Garman, Commodore of NFYC, for arranging the catering , the team of willing Gaffers who helped prepare food and wash up, and Ian and Pam Kemp for providing the committee boat. Results of Crouch Race
Don Garman |