M.P.S.C. - Dinghy Section

2010


Metropolitan Police Dinghy Regatta
Wednesday, 15th September, 2010
Datchet Water Sailing Club,
Queen Mother Reservoir, Nr Heathrow
 

 

The Annual Sailing Dinghy Regatta of the Metropolitan Police Sailing Section took place at Datchet Water Sailing Club - Well - Sort of!

Congratulations to the winner who was virtually the only helm to get onto the water, to race - in the only race held, over just one lap..

Those who looked at the forecast beforehand were unsurprised to arrive at Datchet with the wind eventually blasting over 22 knots; which normally should be manageable for the competitors. But there were two primary factors which combined to make getting afloat a task that could not be successfully conducted without some 4 to 6 persons assisting in the launch. The problem was that after Spring repairs to the reservoir at Datchet Water, it had not yet filled up to its usual level which ordinarily allows for easy trolley launching and, as a result, there was some 6 feet of accentuated slope to contend with - and this in a Force Five onshore wind which made even launching from a pontoon, questionable. Assistance to launch is a 'given' amongst the police sailing fraternity, but how could the last few helms get afloat? That apart from getting ashore safely. The matter was never going to be resolved without a specific shorebased party.


Assistance to launch is a given amongst the police sailing fraternity, but how could the last few helms get afloat?

Thus competitors stood on the shore line for quite a time contemplating the best way to get onto the water. Nick Mason managed to get afloat with assistance to be followed later by Rob Jones who, after about a quarter of an hour of buffeting, came back ashore with the sail down and having suffered costly damage. Despite walking along the shoreline in both directions, there appeared to be no easy way to get afloat.

The Race Officer, Sam Nicholls delayed the start and waited patiently aboard the Committee Boat.

Thus, with just a single Laser afloat, Race One was started. Nick made his way round the triangle of blue buoys without tripping up once, to be given the Finish hooter, then cautiously approached the clubhouse to be assisted ashore.


Nick made his way round the triangle of blue buoys without tripping up once.

It was a disappointment for the eleven helms who had made the effort to attend. One had to be philosophical about it; there was little point in pressing on, with the high probability of sustaining damage and a day of fighting the wind instead of fellow competitors.

So it was with regret, that boats were packed up for an early return home. Despite some early departures, a number stayed behind for the presentation by the DWSC Office Manager, Gabrielle Boase to the winner, Nick Mason (Met).

 

Competitors attending...

PHANTOM 135
Simon HAWKES
Avon and Somerset Constab.
LASER 114000
Bob TREVIS
Sussex Police
PHANTOM 1350
Ken DANIELS
MET Police
LASER 152663
Nick MASON
MET Police
LASER 152815
Roger GLASS
MET Police
LASER 136075
Stuart JENKINS
MET Police
 LASER RADIAL 5
Richard SIVERS
Northants Police
BLAZE 678
Rob JONES
Hampshire Police
BLAZE 691
Andrew WILLIAMS
Hampshire Police
MERLIN-ROCKET 3643
Alistair GLEN
Moira STRETTON
MET Police
COMET TRIO 379
Jeff HINES
Andrew GREENAWAY
Avon and Somerset Constab.
 


Thanks to Joe Snowdon (DWSC) for his excellent action pictures.

Event Organiser:
 Stuart Jenkins
Tel: 07785 371303

 

 

 
 


 

Trophies for the Metropolitan Police Open Dinghy Regatta

Trophy for Overall winner
First Overall Helm


First Retired Officer

Trophy for First Met Helm
First Met Helm

     

2009
Report/pictures


 

2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008 :-
Click here to view report/results/pictures previous regattas