Osprey Open at Ribble Cruising Club

Ribble Cruising Club has hosted its first Osprey open meeting for many years, and what a treat it was for the six visiting Ospreys who joined five local boats on this remarkable stretch of the Lancashire coast. It was trailed as a ‘tidal’ venue and this quickly proved to be something of an under-statement. Racing is only possible in a three hour slot around high water. Low water is literally No water. A highly professional shore party helps the boats to hit the water for two races of markedly different character, one on the flood and one on the ebb, and scoops them back onto their trolleys as the water gurgles away.

The first race got away in a force 3-4 Westerly and the fleet was straight into a nip and tuck short-tacking battle up the North shore, standing into the mud until the centre-board jumped. Any extra seconds on the seaward tack were brutally punished by lost boat lengths. Judging the sprint out to the windward mark in the channel proved critical. Rob Shaw and Ian Little (Kielder Water SC), led at the windward mark, closely pursued by Jon Batt and Nick Broomhall (Blithfield) and Russell Gardiner and David Slater (Coniston). The run provided an all too brief respite for the crews before the long slog began again. Rob and Ian held on for the win from Jon and Nick, but Viola and Mike Scott (Kielder) managed to over-haul Russ and Dave to take third.

Race 2 began at the turn of the tide, and the local crews headed for the south shore to take advantage, along with Russ and Dave who led at the windward. John Auty and Martin Atherton represented the home fleet in the leading pack. Rob and Ian took the lead in the second beat, and a capsize by Russ and Dave cost them dear on the final run, putting them down to 5th. Nick Jones and Arthur Butler (RYA) won a tight battle with Viola and Mike to take 3rd behind Nick and Jon.

The club laid on a splendid dinner, and Commodore Richard Freeman gave a warm welcome to the fleet. Sadly Willy Crichton’s attempt to introduce us to karaoke met with a luke warm response. Sorry Willy – we were just too tired!

Sunday brought more wind – a sparkling force 4-5, still from the West. The short tacking seemed even more hectic. Rob and Ian, Russ and Dave and Viola and Mike fought it out in the lead group. The course provided a zig-zag across the tide, testing a range of skills. On the second beat Russ and Dave pulled out a hefty lead and won the race from Rob and Ian, with Viola and Mike resisting a late charge from Jon and Nick to take 3rd. For the home boats Alex Beach and Martin Knott sailed well for a 5th, Willy Crichton and Anthony Adshead had their best result of the weekend, but unfortunately Don Flannery and Roger Audsley broke their mast in the mud.

In the final race a lumpy sea had built up giving lovely surfing conditions on the runs for those whose arms were still working. Rob and Ian won the race and the event from Jon / Nick and Russ / Dave. Nick and Arthur again prevailed in a very testing two lap battle with Viola and Mike. Alec and Angela Mamwell competed hard to the end, and were always a threat.

Many thanks to Race Officer Richard Elsdon, and to the excellent patrol and shore teams, and of course to the superb galley and bar people who kept us fed and watered throughout.

Overall Results: