Brixham Regatta 2014

The weather surprised with sun cream and shorts required against the stunning backdrop of Brixham breakwater and the grey pebble beach.

The course looked long and got even longer as we were told the first mark was just 'out of sight' around the corner! The challenge was a stiff F3/4 North West wind working up a nice chop that got progressively lumpy as the day progressed. The course was a wind assisted dash East to the first 'out of sight' mark, a North West slog straight into the bouncy stuff negotiating marks 2 and 3 and a sideways rolling ride South to complete the 3,000m course. A world away from the Bristol pond in which most of us had prepared ourselves.

The results (below) which speak for themselves, show most of us had too many bacon rolls and cake before venturing out. Except the Juniors who showed us all how it should be done! First our U14's crew attempted the U16's 2000m triangular course (yes, with turns) and gave chase to the Brixham (Under 16 stone) crew in really tough conditions. They then turned straight around, with three of the same crew, for the 800m U14's race. This was the closest race of the day with Henry Smarden (Brixham), Top Catch (Paignton) and Watch & Pray neck and neck, our crew dug deep and pulled away in the final 10 metres to take first place, expertly coxed by Gary Jones. In the post race excitement the U14's tried to see if he would float, it turns out he does not! Well done to the Clevedon juniors Megan McCrum, Niamh Callaghan, Archie Comrie, Charlie Comrie, Martha Miller, Kit Miiler, Georgia Jones -Ralph and Freya Stott and Ella Gardiner (U16).