Southend
Barge Match 2010
Saturday 30th August
Part the Festival
of the Sea events supported by Southend Borough Council
2009 Match Report
Unfortunately high winds had been forcast for the two days
before the race (up to gale force 9) which prevented many sailing barge from
getting to Southend to take part. Some barges had also suffered broken gear
in a previous race on the Swale 2 weeks ago, which, unfortunately takes time
to repair in craft of this age.
Sailing barges Marjorie and Lady of the Lea were able to attend for the event,
having taken shelter in over in Kent the night before and travelling over
on the marning of the race. These 2 barges normally sail in seperate classes,
as they are not very equally matched. However, the Match Committee, with Officer
of the Day Roger Beckett, decided to proceed and set a course for these 2
barges to sail.
The weather was sunny, but winds were still fairly strong with increased wind
forecast for later in the day.
There were many people
at the end of the pier, out to enjoy seeing the barges, the Tall Ship Artemis
together with a visit to the Lifeboat station and stalls on the pier whare
photographs, knotwork, fresh cooked fish snacks, etc. could be purchased.
The Lady of the Lea was started at 10:30 and Marjorie at 11:00, both set to
sail the following course:
Start West to East between pierhead and start line limit buoy
Pass W. Shoebury
buoy to starboard
Pass Sea Reach No. 4 buoy to starboard
Start line limit buoy to port
Sea Reach No. 5 buoy to starboard
West Leigh Middle
buoy to starboard
The finish between pierhead and start line limit buoy - total course distance
10 nm
The Race was started by the Mayor of Southend-on-Sea Cllr Brian Smith assisted
by members of the Match Committee.
A commentary was provided for people on the Pierhead by Councillor Ric Morgan
who provide regular updates of the match.
Both barges crossed the start line within 2 and a half minutes of their start
time, with Marjorie being just 9 seconds faster that Lady of the Lea, to claim
the award for fastest start.
Lady of the Lea had sailed down to the West Shoebury buoy before Marjorie
made her 11:00 start, the tide was still ebbing, and with the wind and tide
against her, Lady of the Lea had some difficulty making progress back up river
toward the Sea Reach No4 buoy. However, as low water was approaching, the
effect of the tide gradually became more favourable, allowing her to make
progress. In the meantime, Marjorie made her way down to the West Shoebury
buoy quite quickly, and, taking advantage of the extra sails she could set
on her bowsprit rig, was able to pass Lady of the Lea and make better progress
against wind and tide. Both barge crews worked hard to cope with the weather
conditins and use them, to best advantage.
Marjorie Passed the Pier mark for the first time at 1 hour 25 min 07 seconds,
whilst it took Lady of the Lea 3 hours 5 minutes and 45s to sail the same
distance.
Marjorie was able to complete the whole course in a total of 3 hours and 55
seconds. The Match Commitee decided to shorten thecourse for Lady of the Lea
and allowed her to return to the pier mark without rounding the remaining
marks on the course, and she completed this shortened course in a total of
3 hours 38 mins and 1 second.
Due the expected inceasing winds, both barges decided to leave immediately
and motor across the estuary for the Medway
The prizegiving and supper took place
at the Alexandra Yacht Club at 20:00 when the prizes were presented by his
Worshipful the Mayor of Southend-on-Sea Cllr Brain Smith
Prizes were awarded as follows:
Slow Saysail Class:
1st Lady of the Lea - Silvertown Services Lighterage Trophy,
plus winner,s pennant
Bowprit Class:
1st Marjorie - The Jeanne Curtis Perpetual Trophy, plus winner's
pennant
Fastest start - Marjorie
- Robert Lister Perpetual Trophy
Best time to outer mark - Marjorie - "Yaching World"
Perpetual Trophy.