 
After the near gales of August, September gave us calms and a headache for the Maldon Regatta race officer. The seventy odd strong entry got away – just – from the start at the Nass beacon, but only the fleetest of boats, carrying the most canvas and well sailed, managed to get to the finish at Osea Island within the time limit.
The smacks were first to start, which proved crucial; all four class 1 smacks finished, led by Sallie, whereas only 5 of the 12 smaller class 2 beat the time limit, with Primrose leading the way. The fleet of 19 gaff rigged yachts were next away, but only 2 finished; first was the impressive 49ft Hardy, whose towering rig reached the wind that others failed to reach and clocked the fastest time of all. The other finisher in this class was the 19ft Memory, Lettie May, which showed what can be achieved with a well sailed small boat. Gigi led all 5 ECOD’s home, but of the 12 classic wooden yachts, only Black Diamond finished inside the limit. Fortunately, a slight sea breeze filled in for the afternoon’s massed start Parade of Sail up to the Hythe at Maldon and the crowds along the promenade were treated to a magnificent sight as the fleet swept up on the tide. For the crews, the fun was only just beginning, with free beer for all and, for the hundred or so gaffers and friends, the day was rounded off with Mike McCarthy’s superb OGA Anniversary dinner, recalling the day in 1963 when the East Coast Area was formed. Bernard Patrick     |