Ancient Mariner Report and Results
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
The Ancient Mariner trophy is the annual Corinthians shindig and, consistent with the offbeat ethos of the group, this was anything but a straightforward affair.
Nine crusty seadogs with operational boats turned up on the start line but only one was destined to wear the pirate’s hat and sash and carry the trophy. That man was Malcolm Appleton, seen below in sartorial splendour.
In spite of an early set of light rain showers the planned event successfully took place with plenty of water in the millpond – Hooray!
Ten crusty seadogs turned up on the start line but only one was destined to wear the pirate’s hat and sash and carry the trophy. That man was Malcolm Appleton, seen below in sartorial splendour.
The 0930 briefing, given by David Cockerill made it clear that the essence of this regatta was fun and there seemed to be an underlying threat that if you didn’t enjoy it then points may be given to raise your score.
At that point one seadog left after confessing that his boat was suffering an incurable (by the side of the millpond anyway) malfunction, oops.
Race formats included a reversing race, where all competitors had to turn around and sail the course in the opposite direction whenever a whistle was blown and the navigation race, in which competitors had to sail around all the buoys in any order and in any direction.
There was also a competition for the greatest number of penalty turns in one minute and a race called the ‘Gutbuster’ (don’t ask).
At the start of the first race the wind had not appeared so it was amazing to see nine boats attempt to set off in virtually no wind. The Alioth gang; Paul, Malcolm and Chris figured away of doing this, and arrived at the windward mark well ahead and with little to choose between them.
The wind filled in to a healthy 5 knots from the NW not exactly premium but good to go with! It did increase to gusty 20knts still from the North West together with large holes of apparently zero wind, presenting a real challenge for all.
WE even had a number of spectators to jolly things along remarking about what an incredibly fun event it seemed to be.
David and Simon were very complimentary about the quality of race starts and the racing in general proving to be true to the Corinthians ethos.
When all was complete most retired to the Slipper bar, where, Simon and Dave huddled around a small table with a mental version of an abacus to work out the results.
Paul Davies and Roger Threadingham tied on points for second place but, as always in the Corinthians, it wasn’t about who won, it was about having fun and everyone succeeded in that respect.
Thanks to Dave and Simon for a very well run and enjoyable event, to Chris and Peter for making the robo-buoys sufficiently robust for this event and to Rob Lineham who did us all proud by serving behind the bar.
Editorial: Simon Dwyer/Jon O'Brien/Microsoft Co-Pilot
Pictures: Simon Dwyer
