MALDON TOWN REGATTA 2022
The equinox provides the high spring tides that are perfect for navigating the narrow reaches of the River Blackwater at Maldon. However, with the new moon yet to appear, the flood tide for the weekend would only allow for one race this year, which turned into the parade of sail past the quay side at Maldon.
A bright morning greeted the gathering fleet at the race start o Osea Pier on Osea Island. A moderate northerly wind provided a reach out to the Thirslet buoy and a fast reach back with the tide. The smacks were closely ranked at the start but soon spread out. It’s a glorious sight so often seen on the East Coast. They were followed by the OGA ga rigged yachts, classic wooden yachts, a Solent One design, and an East Coast One Design. Included in the line-up are modern yachts most of of traditional design like the Twister Susanne looking wooden but of composite design using modern materials for hull and deck. She did well with her young captain of the day, Ben, supervised by his father Lawrence Weldon as crew.
It’s a joy to see such a wide variety of yachts sailing in such close quarters. The challenge of the race was reaching the finishing line o the prom in Maldon, taking careful tacks into a light northerly wind, while avoiding the narrowing shallow banks of the shore.
For me I was pleased to be sailing my eight ton Gauntlet Bardu - even with the disadvantage of a hull hosting rather too much wild marine life joining in.
Prizes were handed out in the sail loft upriver from the Queens Head, and included a fine supply of Captain Bob brewed by the local brewer The Mighty Oak. Awards went to Sunbeam for large smacks and Peace taking first in the small smack category. Dirty Girty won the old gaers, and the Laurent Giles-designed Droleen II took the classic yacht prize. The West Solent One Design Mischief and the East Coast One Design Delphine took their inevitable prizes. Maybe next year they’ll have more competition – put 16 September 2023 in your diaries.