Gravesend sailing Club. Gravesham Trophy Race

[steveeasy]

Hi,
I understand in times gone by the Gravesend sailing club would hold a race between Gravesend and the Thames barrier. I have an interest in this race and the history of it and id like to participate if possible. Ive tried contacting the sailing club several times over the last 3-4 years and never made contact with anyone. Does the sailing club still exist ? anyone know of this race and if it continues. My historic interest is Helix and David Atley in the lat 60s.

Worth a punt.
Steveeasy

 

[Black Sheep]

I'm sorry you didn't manage to squeeze a reply out of the club.
Yes, Gravesend Sailing Club is still going strong. The Gravesham Thames Trophy originally ran all the way up to Cherry Garden Pier. In later years, we were obliged to drop sails and motor through the barrier; more recently the leg upstream of the barrier was dropped as conditions had deteriorated (little wind because of riverside developments; churned up waters because of trip boats/clippers). The race was finally dropped from the club calendar a couple of years ago.
As far as I can make out, the race first ran in 1975, and Helix (sailed by Chris Attlee) came in second. One of the trophies for the race in later years was the Helix Trophy, for line honours.
I'm sending you a PM with my contact details so we can continue the discussion...

 

[Cantata]

www.gravesendsc.org.uk

 

[Keith 66]

My late father in law John Marrison used to regularly take part in this race in his Contessa 32 back in the 80's, it was a good race with the twists & turns of the river plus many wind shifts from the buildings. Certainly sorted the men from the boys! Usually ended up in the Dickens at St Katherines. Shame its finished.