UK/US meetings Gosport and Bourneville 2005

This, bi-annual event for 36 inch vane steered yachts took place on the two consecutive weekends of 18th/19th & 25th/26th June 2005. The Regatta, which was sponsored by the UK Vintage Model Yacht Group is open to all 36inch yachts and not specifically vintage craft. The venues for this year's event were Gosport and Bournville where we sailed as guests of the Gosport Model Yacht Club and the Bournville Model Yacht Club. Skippers for eight boats from the USA made the trip. Competitors were five from the San Francisco Model Yacht Club, one from San Diego, one from Albuquerque and one from Marblehead. Organiser of the event, Graham Reeves sailed for the USA team, enabling both countries to field a total of nine boats.

Things got off to a very good start when on Friday evening prior to the race Martin and Liz. Bandey hosted an extremely enjoyable evening at their home. Skippers their families and friends and model yachting associates enjoyed "the odd glass or two" along with superb food.

Saturday morning brought almost perfect sailing conditions on the Gosport Lake. The weather was glorious, an English summer day at its best with the added bonus of a steady south-westerly breeze. Sailing commenced at 10.30am and the pleasant breeze continued all day. Chris Harris as Race Officer ensured that the race ran smoothly. Janet Harris as Scorer, very ably recorded the points. The day was rounded off with everyone meeting back at the Lake on Saturday evening. The venue was the Bistro above the Gosport clubhouse; the occasion was the hosting of a three-course meal for the American visitors sponsored by the VMYG. This proved to be a very successful evening, much enjoyed by all who attended.

Day two of the event and Sunday brought similar weather conditions to those experienced the previous day with top suits being held by some boats whilst other sailed to advantage in their No 2 rigs. Sailing commenced at 10.00am and continued through until about 4.00pm. Refreshments were served in the Clubhouse whilst the scores were checked and verified. The result of the first leg was a win for the UK team with 369.5points with the USA team scoring 215.5points. The leading UK skipper was Alex Austin from the Guildford Club with Mike Stobbe from San Francisco leading the American team.

Full results (pdf file) here

Photos

Here are a few of the pictures from Gosport and Bourneville

If anyone would like a full size copy of the group photo jpg file please e-mail me. The full file will give good 8" x 6" prints.