Race Results: The 2 Bridge Challenge (Not Good Friday but Great Friday) Date: 02/04/2011

Location:  Fidlers Ferry Sailing Club, Warrington.

Overall position after 5 Races

^1st  Boat:  Tommohawk 44       Type: Falcon         Skipper: Tony Tomlinson

^2nd Boat:  Redfoot 42              Type:  Falcon         Skipper: Ian Scouler

3^rd Boat:  Millennium  33          Type:  Falcon          Skipper: Colin Howard

This fun race to meet the tide at Runcorn Bridge was in fact a triathlon, Sailing, walking and lifting boats over the sand banks during the low water phase of the journey, for some a whole new experience. 9 boats took up the challenge with the winds set fair and the sun beating hard down, and for some a day when hats were the order of the day.

With the weather so hot it was nice after just half a mile to walk in cool water with the boat up to Randall’s, with so many twitchers sat in the reed banks watching the wild life, they must have thought the sailors were a little strange, but soon we all got sailing again up to were the river splits to North and South Channels.

It was at this point the lifting section of the race came in with most crews having to push and lift boats for about 50 yards to find deep water (of over 6 inches), with that done it was off to the bridge. First there was Stig junior and senior in different boats, and then Ernie and Nathan in the GP then the Millennium Crew of Colin Steve & Gail before the rest of the fleet arrived. They say timing is of the essence no sooner had we arrived and the tide started rushing in. Soon all 9 boats were racing up and down in front of the Spike Island lock gates with the Commodore thinking he was F1 racing and following the tradition of not bothering who was in the way, the power of position and telling people he would keel haul them should they comment. Anyway the event of the day started as all the fleet went under the bridge and once all ready it was off to Monks hall. The wind was clean and blowing 3-4 as all boats made good speed back, Some of the best sailing most could recall for a number of years and soon most of the fleet were passing Fidlers, but the lure of a cup of tea after 5 hours of sailing grew to strong for most, leaving only the mad ones to get to the other bridge. The trip to the bridge was very quick and in some cases to quick as the tide was still running in as we reached the turning mark for home and that bottle of cool beer organised by Ian Scouler.

Just as if we had no money for the meter, the wind went and anchors became the order of the day. For 25 minutes progress was impossible with four boats unable to make any progress, but final a wisp of a breeze allowed slow progress with Tommohawk and Redfoot managing to get away before the two remaining made the turn for home.

The journey back was in some cases an anti-climax after a great days sailing and soon we were back at Fidlers to rejoin all the participants on the lawn for a much deserved drink of tea and cake, everyone agreed it was not just a Good Friday but a GREAT FRIDAY. Thanks to all for taking part and Ian Scouler for the organisingof the day and one must not forget the Butler, Richard Thomas for his great care of veteran super star Tony Tomlinson in his receding years. Congratulation to Keith for making the Bridge in Goshawk 23 on it maiden test run with no leeks and with out turning over with Rigs at the helm, finally to Chris for the video work and finally getting on board a sailing dinghy.

Officer of the Day, Trigger.

Visitors are always welcome.

Colin Howard

Sailing Secretary