Blackwater Sailing Club wraps up the 2025 season with the Dyer Cup
by Gay Ayton 3 Nov 05:17 PST
19 October 2025
Graham Hoy and Clemency Evans - 1st Dyer Cup at Blackwater SC © BSC
The Blackwater Sailing Club concluded its 2025 racing season on Sunday 19th October with the highly anticipated end of season Dyer Cup, an event when all classes of boat take to the water in a celebration of sailing, competition and camaraderie.
In ideal autumn conditions with a steady force 3-4 south-easterly wind, 29 boats lined up for the all-in start with crews of all ages and experience levels competing in the race making it the most inclusive event of the year.
With the start line downriver between an anchored launch and Osea Road buoy, the fleet then sailed close hauled against the tide to Doctor, the first buoy on the course off Osea pier. On the run back with spinnakers flying and going with the tide, the boats sailed around the river's official navigation marks up to Herring Point off Maldon before finishing across the club line.
This handicap race is always competitive and with added excitement as the first boat over the finishing line doesn't always win once corrected times have been calculated. This year was no exception as a Wayfarer helmed by Graham Hoy and crewed by Clemency Evans won by a 40 second margin over Dan Dixon in a Finn in second place with Rob and Katherine Carver in a Laser 2000 in third place. One cruiser took part, John Dyer and his crew in 'Breezy' and so won the Copsey Cup.
The Short Course fleet had their own race officiated by a crew on the bridge and starting from the Club line. The winner was Julie Nelson crewed by Sarah Bakewell and congratulations were given to cadet Oliver Keeble, 12 for finishing the race is his Optimist.
Commodore, Sheena Berney said "The final race really captures what our club is about - friendly competition, teamwork and a shared love of being out on the water. Seeing all the boats out together is a perfect way to end the season.
"My thanks go to Race Officer Malcolm Green and assistant race officer Judy Barnes who were in the launch driven by Steve Sharpe as well as Wendy Walker and Julie Shelter who joined me on the bridge and helped quickly process the results."
The Commodore was also pleased to thank Social Secretary, Julie Shelter who organised the Macmillan Coffee morning which raised £530. The RNLI had a successful day too with sales from its stall of £300.65 and over £200 taken in donations. Thanks were given to the members for their support with these two important charities.
Planning for the 2026 season is now under way and new members are warmly welcomed. Details regarding the Open Day in May will be announced soon.
For information about visiting and joining the Club, contact membership secretary
visit Heybridge Basin, Maldon, Essex CM9 4SD or see www.blackwatersailingclub.org.uk