Page 84 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2019

82
REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)
A fine collection of battle flags Capt Cowie really does LOVE yachts Death or not last place – RL Cowes crew 2019
to our guest helm for the day) and not one but two near man over boards. It would be fair to say Maj Purbrick and Lt Scott now know the importance of knowing where the lines are when running out the spinnaker. Sadly, the good weather was not to last and declined throughout the remainder of the week. What did not decline, however, was the crew’s, or Cowes’s, appetite for extra-curricular activities!
With a fractional improvement in the weather, a crew which was certainly starting to norm and a skipper desperate to finish with the solid result all deserved, the stage was set for Friday’s race. Flying across a very windy solent Ajax and her crew were (figuratively) on fire and heading for the best result of the week. Sadly, a Spinnaker tear denied Ajax the extra speed required on the final long gybe back towards Cowes. Despite this the Crew still managed a 10th place finish – the best of the week.
Cowes week is an excellent adventurous training opportunity in a unique and world-renowned setting. The Royal Lancers fin- ished 20th (of 21) in a strong class of boats despite the most chal- lenging weather for years. Additionally, Tpr Ash Godwin was selected to sail with the British Soldier team in 2020. Our thanks must go out to Tom Overy for his patience and determination in a week in which he will certainly have gained a couple of new grey hairs. Ajax is a fantastic boat and all the crew would like to thank the RACYC for allowing us to sail her – hopefully we can sail her to a better result in 2020. Finally, a special thank you must go to Lt Scott’s father John for his hospitality at the Royal Yacht Squadron and at his home over the week.
ARH
Lt Scott at the helm – the worst conditions Cowes has seen for some years!