Scandinavian Seaways Race

The Scandinavian Seaways Race was due to start at 0900 from Wrabness, just after the flood began. The wind was fine for a run down the Stour, but so light that Julian and I did not think Robinetta would make against the tide, so we decided not to try.

Several other boats called up Avola to say they were not starting either, and the fleet split in two. We started off at the same time as the racers, but had our engine on and soon left them behind. I kept looking back, and they looked really good with all their sails out, but by the time we reached Harwich Shelf at 1030 there was no sign of anyone behind.

The wind stayed really light all morning, and we motor sailed to the West Knoll buoy at the entrance to the Deben. The wind began to pick up as we reached it, and with the tide now with us we unrolled the jib, turned the engine off, and had a cracking sail all the way up to the Tide Mill.

We were past Ramsholt by the time any of the racing boats passed us, (Crow, under motor). The wind had totally died in Harwich harbour, and none of the boats could make against the tide. Roy Hart in Greensleeves put out his anchor, but everyone else resigned and put their engines on.

We dropped our sails by the entrance to the Tide Mill Marina, and had our engine on for only five minutes. (If you don't count the four hours from Wrabness to West Knoll!)