Hampton Sailing Club’s 75th Anniversary Regatta was a triumph all round with 25 boats taking part. Our primary partner, the wind, behaved admirably with a light southerly, with easterly twitches on Saturday and an increasing easterly on the Sunday. The last two races in about 10 to 15 mph giving some thrilling racing in all classes. Good showing from all fleets at the club and very unselfish crewing up by helms with our newbies. The results can be seen elsewhere but fine performances by some of our younger members.
Race organisation was excellent with a different race officer for each race assisted seamlessly by our experienced time keepers. One comes to expect a very high standard of food at HSC and we were not disappointed – and it was healthy!
After Saturdays racing there was a sail past led by Dunkirk Little Ship ‘Tom Tit’ of all sailing classes represented at HSC to the accompaniment of Keith’s commentary. (See Facebook link on the bottom right of screen).
We celebrated in our marvellous marquee with fine fare of the period but with, no doubt, more meat and much bigger portions. We were accompanied by a youth orchestra from Hampton who played music of the 1940’s era, and some sang along.
AWARDS – Please see Sailing Results
Reminiscent of the darker days of World War II when our club was established by a few keen youngsters we dressed to recall 1944. Social levels were well represented by an aristocrat and a land girl, the criminal world by a most convincing spiv, the feminine fashions of that era were evidenced (many back in fashion now}, a country gent and representing the darker side of that period two air raid precaution wardens, one with a full gas mask. The spiv and Lucy with a swirly 40’s dress and fetisher (I think that’s what they are called) won a packet of seeds each, much prized in those days. David Auger, in a touching and humorous speech, reminded us of how the club had developed over the years, the efforts put in by so many, the decrease in boat attendance and increase of socials, the absence of correctness then, the arrival of women commodores and his hope for our future. All without notes, stumbles or sight.
The evening closed with a collective swing jive exhibition when many new moves were learned. A very memorable Regatta indeed.