swale match

[DanTribe]

I can't understand why I haven't heard about this regatta before.
Modern clean marina with stable pontoons, proper cleats, free water and mains electricity, modern recently refurbished toilets and showers. All these things are probably avaiable elsewhere.
But the Swale and Hollowshore is the place for beautiful barges, smacks, gaffers and any traditional boats. Muddy creeks, real ale, interesting characters, live band and hog roast as a bonus.
Had a great day, thank you Kentish Sail Association

 

[wilkinsonsails]

Thanks Dan .The Swale match is now in its 44th year.
We run the smaller gaffers race Class 2b ,now enjoyed in the flatter parts of the Swale ..
A few yrs ago, after nearly loosing a 12' dink awash out by the Whitstable Street Bouy ,we realised sending the smaller boats round that course was a bit much .Specially for open wooden boats without a lot of buoyancy ��
We try and ensure our finish is done and we are ready sitting with the gaggle of dinghies tied alongside , to watch the rest of the fleet romp home .
Cindy

 

[DanTribe]

Cindy
I didn't know you were involved, but I should have guessed!
We had a cracking day.
Our finish was amazing. 2 barges, 3 smacks, 2 gaffers, (us being one at 60 ft), all on a short finish line on a beat. There was also 2 innocent bystander cruising boats who must have been a bit bamboozled.
The boat handling was impressive, those old girls don't spin like dinghies.
If only our skipper had remembered to put the declaration in, we would have won a pot!
And then Herne Bay airshow on Sunday. It's on the calender for next year.