61st Medway Marathon 2025 hosted by Medway Yacht Club

61st Medway Marathon © Phil Walker

On the morning of Sunday 3rd August, the weather conditions were perfect with a South Westerly breeze to welcome our visitors to Medway Yacht Club's 61st Medway Marathon. The day started early for those visitors, some of whom had travelled from afar.

"Nice to see you again," I said to one of our visitors.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," he replied.

There were twenty-four boats in total from thirteen different classes. Depending on your RYA PY handicap this put you in one of the five starts. The Wayfarers had their own start due to the number of their class taking part. The race hut was kept busy having boats over the line in two of the starts.

61st Medway Marathon - photo © Phil Walker

The twenty-six-mile course took the fleet as far as Queenborough Spit buoy via Otterham Creek and on their way home Stangate Creek before finishing at the MYC line. The first half of the race was a little light but with the ebbing tide and the odd gust progress was made. The second half of the race saw an increase in wind and the tide started flooding at approximately 13.30 ensuring all boats were home by 16.00.

Whatever the weather we all know and appreciate conditions can change very quickly. Five guard boats were on station covering the course throughout the race as well as five RIBs and an escort boat. One dinghy did cut the corner of one of the spit buoys leading to a capsize, to the surprise of the crew the water was only up to his knees! No damage to the boat or crew and a RIB was there to assist if required.

61st Medway Marathon - photo © Phil Walker

The Musto Skiffs are normally very competitive in the Medway Marathon but it was not their day this year. We look forward to seeing them next year.

Those doing the Half Marathon had a great sail and competed their course in good time. The onshore race team ensured we had the results quickly and prize-giving took place in good time allowing our visitors to start their journey home.

61st Medway Marathon - photo © Phil Walker

The overall winner of the 2025 Medway Marathon was John Clementson (Chipstead Sailing Club) in his Wayfarer crewed by Sam Pygall. Second overall was Tony Alexander in his Wayfarer crewed by Jon Moon and in third place was Stuart Bailey sailing his Laser 2000 crewed by Dave Hughes. Brian and Liz McKenzie missed a podium position by 15 seconds on corrected time. Congratulations to Jo Wicken (Wilsonian Sailing Club) for the first female helm sailing her streaker dinghy.

Congratulations also to Sophie Wantling (Wilsonian Sailing Club) for winning the Medway Half Marathon.

The 2026 Medway Marathon hosted by Medway Yacht Club will be on Sunday 6th September.

61st Medway Marathon - photo © Phil Walker

Overall Results: