It may seem like a distant memory now, but Club Week 2025 was a corker. Read on for the Commodore's report, featuring shifty winds, sea shanties and a Celebration of the Sea! 

This year’s Club Week kicked off on Wednesday 20 August with the Wayfarer fleet on duty. Thanks to perfect tide times and a steady Force 4 breeze, over 80 boats took to the water for two thrilling back-to-back races — an incredible start to the week!

Thursday saw the Fast Handicap & Fireball fleet take charge, with me helping out on the bridge and Charlie Stewart masterfully running the ramp. The second race brought high drama with two fleets finishing from Lock and four shortened at Millbeach — keeping us on our toes and grateful for the trusty Line Camera! The evening rounded off in style with the ever-popular Quiz Night, brilliantly organised by Hattie Norman and supported by Drac & Marg. With 13 teams battling it out, the finish was nail-bitingly close!

   

On Friday, the Sprites took over. A slow start with very little wind (shifting a full 270 degrees!) meant a 45-minute postponement, but things eventually settled at NNW Force 2. Fleets were launched, though conditions were tricky, leading to shortened courses for three fleets and the Cruisers. True grit shone through with Victor Iszatt (Optimist) and Amelia Gilbert (Topper), both refusing offers of a tow and determinedly completing Course 1 in over two and a half hours! Spirits were high later at Fleet Night on the Terrace, with plenty of fun and games.

    

Saturday was another action-packed day, with the Short Course & Optimists fleets running two races. Meanwhile, the club transformed for my Commodore’s Supper, themed “A Celebration of the Sea”. The costumes were incredible — from Chris Mills’ larger-than-life Jellyfish to Alan Coday’s creative Seaweed! Alison from Annie’s Caterers wowed us with a hearty fish pie supper and a show-stopping meringue dessert. Entertainment was top notch too, with the Motley Crew from Brightlingsea leading us in rousing sea shanties, followed by music and dancing on the terrace with Sam from Friday Sailors and his band.

Sunday wrapped things up with the Medium Handicap fleet, run by Guy Welch. Only one race went ahead before the legendary Cock of the Club showdown. Excitement was sky-high with 2 heats of 5 boats in our Club Zests, and a 6-boat final that kept everyone on edge. In the end, it was Mike Iszatt who sailed to victory and claimed the title!

    

The week concluded with a celebratory Prize Giving, led by Rear Commodore Joe Bird and myself. A huge THANK YOU to all the volunteers, organisers, sailors, and supporters who made this week such a success. What a fantastic Club Week — full of racing, fun, laughter, and memories to last until next year!

Commodore, Sheena Berney

Photos: Zoë Nelson

FULL RESULTS:

Optimists: Victor Iszatt

Mirror: Mirror Goblet & Gilbert Trophy – Kevin Dowley

Short Course: Trebor Topper Salver & Sinclair Tankard: Esme Thomas & Iola Thomas/ Florence Fenton

Fast Handicap: Mike Iszatt

Fireball:

Goldhanger Trophy: Steve Jarred & Jack Bernard.

Blobs Trophy: Mark Maskell & Luca Batley

Medium Handicap:

Committee Trophy: Dan Dixon

Osea Handicap Trophy: Jon Simpson

 Firefly Trophy: Ist  Solo: Mark Osborne

 Silverdene Cup: 1st 420: Sam Glover & Dom Carver

Laser:

Laser Pot Tankard: Jessica Welch

Broken Mast: Matt Bernard

Wayfarer:

Brown Tankard: Graham Hoy & Rob Haigh

                 Tom-Tom Trophy & Pippin Trophy: Alan & Janet Hoy

Sprite:

Terry Cup, Thursday Cup. David Marlow Salver & Bunting Trophy: Marcus Gallo & Gill Callander

Fast Cruiser: Mike Sargeant & crew

Club Cruiser: Harry Coday & Duncan Clark

Cock of the River: Mike Iszatt