Nov 12 2009
30th May 2009 Menai Straits race
Under the Britannia Bridge
The two crews
Crews
Mixed: Manon, Shakes, Pete, Sarah, Dr John (cox)
Mixed Vets: Bethan, Geoff, Simon, Elaine, Roger (cox)
Menai Madness
The weather man promised us the hottest day of the year so far and he was right. Sheltering in the shade of the North West Venturers sailing club at Gallows Point, Beaumaris, we contemplated the task ahead whilst taking on some drinks. Shortly afterwards the start flagged dropped and we were off, tearing down one of the most beautiful and treacherous stretches of water in the UK. Our good start was maintained and by Brittania Bridge we were lying third overall. Coming out of the shade of the A55 a great course was steered and we found fast water. The rest of the pack saw our move and tried to follow but we maintained our lead and managed to take on some more fluids and by Felinheli found new fervour. Second place was in our sights and we slowly reeled in the Fishguard crew and crossed the line behind the Llangwm team. The first two boats home were mixed crews (two boys & two girls) beating four Men’s teams and our second boat, who were mixed veterans, finished in good time also. Once we’d cooled down a bit the hospitality of the Royal Welsh Yacht Club was very welcome. A big thank you to our coxes Dr. John Jones-Morris and Roger Alexander. We look forward to the next one !
(Peter Hughes)