Page 70 - Old Malvernian Newsletter - Issue 43 - 2020

OM SPORT
OM SAILING CLUB
The 2019 Arrow Trophy regatta took place in Cowes over the weekend of 12-13 October. Amongst what is usually a blustery event at this time of year, 2019 stood out for the breadth of weather conditions that affected the regatta. Strong winds on the Friday delayed the arrival of the crew into Cowes, although Robin Drummond-Hays did a sterling job in driving the effort to get to Cowes Tandoori before last orders.
Conditions changed overnight with the front moving through and leaving very light conditions on Saturday morning. With less than three knots of breeze, racing did not get underway until early afternoon with three short windward-leeward courses. Despite some challenges with deck gear affecting the
boats downwind ability, Malvern sailed well and avoided the depth and strong tide issues that affected other boats to achieve mid-fleet positions across the line. Dinner was held in Cowes Yacht Haven events centre in the evening, where daily trophies were presented and those for the 2018 overall results.
Sunday saw another significant change in conditions with rain and sustained winds at 35 knots. Two rather unpleasant hours of waiting on the course while the committee tried hard to find any gap in the conditions to get racing underway but with the boats being in the edge of control despite minimal sail plan and the race marks dragging, a decision was made to cancel all racing for the day.
With 28 entries now competing in the Arrow Trophy, it provides fantastic racing (where conditions allow) and a great social event ashore. 2020 will also see new boats purchased by Sunsail, which will temporarily alter the racing format slightly with no match- racing and maximum crew being reduced from 12 to 10. This does present a good opportunity for Malvern to obtain some silverware next year due to experience on these new boats (F41) and a number of crew training opportunities over the summer. Any OM wishing to take part should contact the Secretary (roberthammond@hotmail.com).
Rob Hammond
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