The Commodore's Invitational Regatta 2022
Published 12:46 on 19 Jul 2022
Somehow or other I was lucky enough to blag myself a place on the BSC team sailing J70's at the Commodore's Invitational Regatta 2022 held at the Royal Yacht Squadron (Cowes), last weekend.
I'm not quite sure how BSC made the invite list as all the other teams, apart from Itchenor and Beaulieu River, were from the 'Royal' sailing clubs scattered around the British Isles. Nevertheless, I am so glad we made the grade as Philip, Nick, Karen and myself had 3 days of wonderful sailing and equally excellent hospitality.
I hadn't been to the RYS before; it's a bit like the Buckingham Palace of sailing clubs 3 full size baths (and showers) in the ladies changing rooms, fluffy towels, dyson hairdryers and toiletries galore! Beautiful gardens and lawns overlooking the Solent, and so much history, everywhere. We were made to feel incredibly welcome by James Holman, the Commodore, and after a few glasses of fizz at the welcome drinks, soon felt very at home.
Philip and I hadn't sailed a J70 before either, and that turned out to be harder to get the hang of than the welcome drinks. (Bosham sailors are generally well practiced and pretty competent at shoreside activities!) Luckily Karen and Nick weren't complete J70 virgins and actually one boat is much like another in many ways, so after a warm up sail we were ready to take on the Royals!
Our sailing was a bit like the spinnaker lots of ups and lots of downs. After 8 races, spread over 2 days, covered in bruises and blisters, we came 6thout of 10 boats. We were a bit disappointed as we were lying 5th at one stage, but given our lack of experience compared to most of the teams, it was actually a pretty respectable result. Itchenor, who had sailed brilliantly and been top of the leader board throughout the regatta, were pipped at the post by the Royal Cork Sailing Club in the last race, so there will be all to play for next year.
Mags Watney
Last updated 22:02 on 16 January 2023
