Cherub 2021 Inland Championship at Queen Mary Sailing Club

Cherub Inlands at Queen Mary © Jamie Pearson

Cherub Inlands at Queen Mary © Jamie Pearson

Eight Cherubs returned to Queen Mary Sailing Club for some close racing at the 2021 Inland Championship. Saturday morning began slightly moist and with light winds; regular crews and new pairings rigged up their boats in anticipation of the first race at midday.

Joe White made final tweaks to his boat 'Duck Wars' with help from dad Ade and guest helm Jimmy for the boat's first sail in his ownership.

All 8 boats then launched into sub 10kts westerly breeze and sailed down to the start-line on the east side of reservoir. Saturday's racing was tactical; helms who decided to sail to the right-hand side of the beat were sometimes rewarded with lifts but sometimes punished by the disturbed wind off the dredger.

Racing was close and battles were fought throughout the fleet. The new pairing of Jimmy and Joe improved on their position with each race, to end the day with a bullet in race 3, taking the race win from Andy and Jill- national champions on home water who were winners of the first two races.

Once off the water, the fleet regrouped at Andy and Jill's house before all going for a curry followed by several drinks at the pub.

Sunday's wind was considerably fruitier than Saturday, with some sailors opting to spectate from the shore rather than launch into the gusty 20kt breeze. Crootie and Whapshott in 'Marmite' dominated the racing with 3 race wins, taking the regatta lead from Andy and Jill in 'Usagi'.

Close racing was had by the two 97 rules boats 'Nautilus' and 'king Tubby' in the big breeze, with some dramatic downwind rides. First time Cherub crew Charlie discovered the indescribable feeling of bouncing downwind in a Cherub in 20kts, letting out a "Wow" as 'King Tubby' accelerated in a gust.

Well done to Crootie and Whapshott in 'Marmite' who are the 2021 Cherub inland champions, and thanks to Queen Mary SC for well run racing with fast turnarounds.

This event concludes the 2021 Cherub travellers' series, we are looking forward to the next open meeting in spring 2022!

Overall Results: