Bank Holiday Fun Weekend

Published 10:30 on 28 May 2026

The late May Bank Holiday Weekend was a blazing success with sailing all 3 days in blue skies, blazing sunshine and a decent sea breeze. Saturday and Sunday saw the Ship in a Bottle Regatta sailed in a light steady sea breeze coming straight up the river with Monday reserved for a Family Fun Sail and Picnic.

Race Officer Mike Commander delayed the Saturday start as the SSW'ly breeze was gradually overcome by the sea breeze. A straight forward triangular course was set immediately in front of the clubhouse. It quickly became apparent that the Solos of Malcolm Davies, Peter Hearne and Chris Tilbrook were going to be the main protagonists for the weekend with Malcolm and Chris both securing firsts even though Peter had held the lead in two of the 3 races. Brian Tucker in his ILCA 6 (Laser Radial) also figured in the first two races securing third places.

Sunday was just as warm if not warmer than Saturday and saw a few other sailors join the fun including teenager Xavier Houghton in an ILCA 6,Tom Brewer and his daughter Alix in one of the club's Quba's. Brian Tucker took over as Race Officer allowing Mike Commander to sail his K1 and a slight variation to the first day's course was set - a trapezoid in front of the clubhouse which provided a couple of nice reaches across the river. As on Saturday Malcolm and Chris both took wins with Peter yet again letting winning positions slip through his fingers. Mike never got going in his K1, collecting weed on his fixed keel and having to sail backwards too many times to clear the weed and grounding on different occasions in the shallow river. So after 6 races from both days and with 2 discards applied it was a trio of Solos taking the podium places with Malcolm first, Chris second and Peter third. Full results on website https://www.tcyc.org.uk/series/13511

The Bank Holiday Monday was dedicated to a family fun sail and picnic organised by Mark Neild. Another blazing sunshine day with probably the best sailing breeze of the weekend ensued. After a very relaxed start five boats took to the water sailing over to the beach near Red Rock having a picnic and playing games. Everyone was having so much fun they never ventured further upstream to Netherton Beach as had been the original plan.

Thanks go to all the helpers over the weekend without whom we wouldn't be able to hold these events including Dave Chandler, Phil Clayborough, Mark Neild, Steve Pocock, Brian Tucker, Oliver Tweedie and Vic Weston

Author: Mike Commander

Photos: Peter Houghton, Mark Neild

Last updated 11:59 on 28 May 2026