Vane Sailing at Bournville RS&MBC this Easter Weekend.

This weekend sees the return of the vane 36 National and the Pugwash Trophy to Bournville in the middle of the UK. It’s been a long time since it was here and it’s a delight to see it return. The Pugwash Trophy is Friday afternoon as a precursor to the main event, which is the National over two days. Let’s give you a bit of background, here in the UK we still hold free sailing events that are match racing under vane steering and the 36 National is one of three National events regularly held. The others being the A and Marblehead classes. I’ll give you an update during the race if I can otherwise it will be Monday. Now let’s get back to where we came in.

The Pugwash Trophy, those who are of a certain age and those young enough to not admit it, will remember fondly Capt. Pugwash and his cartoon adventures on the telly. A little research gives a date of 1957 when he appeared in a series of BBC cartoons.

The event was created by Ian Taylor, and it used to close out the vane sailing season in November as this is the Centenary year for both the A Class and Bournville RSPBC its being used to open the free sailing season. It’s a two-boat team race with its own particular rules and great fun to be involved with. This year there are 6 teams and good to see some youngsters taking an active part.

Pugwash 2023, Bournville. Well after some twenty years or so this slightly unusual free sailing race made its welcome return. Traditionally this race would sit at the very end of the free sailing season but this time it’s been bolted onto the 36r nationals.
12 boats took part from around the country in typical fickle light breeze and the 6 mixed teams sailed to a conclusion.

The positions are as follows;
1st Ian Cook/ Dave Geldard
2nd Lewis Wyeth/Thomas Wyeth
3rd Chris Harris/ Vic Bellerson
3rd Russell Wyeth/Shaun Wyeth
5th Derek Priestly/ Suzanne Lewis
6th Martin Roberts/ Sam Roberts

The wind was a great leveller destroying egos and testing the patience of the most chilled of people.
Tomorrow sees the start of the National proper so will keep you updated.

Bill Green. Bournville RS&MBC.