Medway Dinghy Regatta 2025 at Wilsonian Sailing Club
by Steve James 4 Jul 12:23 PDT
After last year's successful relaunch of the regatta, the 2025 Medway Dinghy Regatta welcomed an increased number of boats over the previous year with entrants making the journey to the River Medway from clubs both near and far.
Saturday's weather was shifty with gusts to F6 over a SSE F4.
The stars of the first two races were the juniors, coping well with the gusty conditions over long courses. One junior received a round of applause on the finishing line for his perseverance to complete the course - a first for the regatta.
The first two races were tight across the four fleets so the second day would be the decider.
With the sun still beating down after the first days racing, the evening got off to a great start with a sea shanty band and dinner. Competitors and support volunteers' meals along with the entertainment were provided courtesy of the Regattas generous sponsors, MTS Cleanings Services.
Day two forecast was looking light and a postponement was required to race three on Sunday morning. Fortunately, the wind filled in (somewhat) and the third race took place and provided a test for all sailors of their light air sailing skills. Again, racing was close and the results were still in the balance.
The wind freshened and with the added pressure from the sea breeze, the fourth and final race was a lapping course with competitors enjoying close racing and finishes in the fast, medium, and junior fleets and produced a clear winner in the slow fleet.
After another day of soaring temperatures more akin to the Mediterranean, the prize-giving took place under the shelter of the trees. The strong performance of the juniors was reflected in awarding the Bill Stewart trophy for most up and coming sailor of the regatta to a junior member, Patrick Whitton. Shields, trophies, and glassware were awarded to the winners, runners up and third place finishers with a fourth place awarded in the larger medium fleet.
Perfectly on cue as the prize-giving ended, (as if it had been planned!) Wilsonian Sailing Club and all its visitors and volunteers were treated to a low level fly past by the Red Arrows. This topped off the perfect weekend.
Having had great comments from members and visitors, Richard Smith (fast fleet winner) gave a special vote of thanks for all the hospitality and friendliness of the club and for an excellent weekend of racing.
Everyone at Wilsonian Sailing Club extends a warm invitation to return next year.
The date for your diary is June 27th & 28th 2026.
For more information and full results please visit www.medwayregatta.co.uk