June 2026 blog

Sat 25 April – Working Party

This was well attended and for the first time we managed to get nearly all the listed tasks completed, including jet washing a number of the club boats. To round the day off a late lunch was provided by Diana and her team.

Sat 10 May – Chestnut Sunday

This event, held in Bushy Park to celebrate all the Chestnut Trees coming into bloom, was cancelled this year. The Parks Authority have decided to hold Chestnut Sunday every other year from now on.

RYA Discover Sailing Open Days

We generally hold this event immediately following Chestnut Sunday. With that not happening this year we relied on the membership to distribute posters and flyers. We also hung large banners at the Lower/Upper Sunbury road junction and outside the club entrance road gate.

We signed up nine new families to the club. Our most successful open days ever.

Sat 13/14 June – Club Regatta

Two races were held on Saturday afternoon, with a further two races on Sunday, followed by the Ladies and Novices events. Saturday was overseen by Frank Rainsborough. Despite a mix up with the flag colours during the first race it was eventually completed, and the flags corrected. The second race duly got underway with a variety of Lasers and Bosuns competing. The wind coming from the west had got up and some very close racing ensued.

By contrast the wind on Sunday dropped a fair bit. Liz Archer was in charge and following the first race, which was a bit of a drifter, it was decided to change the course to an Olympic style with two windward and two leeward marks. Competitors were required to pass between these marks, turning to port or starboard as they chose. Again a host of Lasers and Bosuns entered mixing with a number of boats not competing but taking visitors out for a sailing experience.

Following the last regatta trophy race a lunch of quiche and salad was served by Diana’s team. This was followed by the Ladies and Novices race. This involved inexperienced helms going out with experienced helms as crew, and being talked around the course. I think four boats competed, and all finished the race.

Meanwhile the clubhouse was filling up. I don’t think I have ever seen so many people at the club. It was heaving! Most of the kids were out on paddleboards, kayaks and canoes and having a great old time while parents sat and chatted on the deck or at the bar. Rodger tried to get some of the kids to compete in a race of their own. That was like herding eels but he did manage to get a couple done.

Next the regatta tea was served. Sandwiches of every variety, sausage rolls, cakes and of course strawberries and cream. It was a magnificent spread put on by Diana and her team and things calmed down a bit as everybody tucked in. While this was going on Steve was working on his computer to determine the regatta results. These are awarded on personal handicap so everybody has a chance of winning. Rodger presented the prizes as follows. Overall Regatta Trophy was won by Wout Hoff, (tied with Steve Pischke; Wout got trophy) the Ladies trophy went to J. Dennis while the Novices trophy went to Kelly Reynolds.

Rodger then thanked the catering team for all their hard work over the weekend together with the members organising the regatta racing. This was one of the most successful regattas held at the club for years. Everybody seemed to enjoy themselves whether they competed or just came down for a day by the river.

Well done everyone!

Mike Baker

Future events for your Calendar ….

Wed 8 July – Mid Summer Cruise for pub supper (boats leave at 6:00pm)

Sat 18 July – Greek Evening (supper and musical entertainment)