Inter-Livery Regatta 2022
The Inter-Livery Yacht Regatta on the Isle of Wight returned to its usual date in May and the Plumbers were back to compete and join in the fun.
Saturday 21st May saw us back in Cowes for one of the highlights of the livery calendar. Following a new format, there were not one, but two races, and we lined-up expertly for the first one to cross the start line within a second of the horn. Sadly, a very variable wind and a strong tide caught us out at the second buoy and we watched the rest of the competitors sail off into the distance as we tacked back and forth until eventually we managed to round it. Click on the picture below to see the team in action.
The impact was that we only just managed to approach the start line in time for the second race, where the boat proved to be distinctly uncompetitive again, but at least we weren’t last!
Having said all this, the whole weekend is a hugely enjoyable event. A massive thank you to Past Master Steve Hodkinson, who generously sponsored the boat, to Assistant Janet Rivers, who organised our participation (no mean feat!) and to Past Steward Ian Puddick for the generous gin and tonics! Our gallant supporters also followed our intrepid efforts from the Island Yacht Squadron:
And we mustn’t forget Roger Dunstan, who patiently skippered the boat for us and the ‘motley crew’. The weekend culminates in the Presentation Dinner in the Royal Yacht Squadron.
The Innholders were the overall winners, coming first and second in the first race, with the Dyers winning the second race. We were then delighted to be presented unexpectedly with the ‘Visitor’s Vase’ by the Admiral of the City Livery Yacht Club, Commodore Anthony Morrow CVO. The new trophy is a beautiful turned wood vase, donated by the Turners Company, accompanied by an engraved glass vase, which we get to keep.
Cdre Tony Morrow presenting the Visitor’s Trophy to our captain, Roger Dunstan and the engraved glass vase
Perhaps the reason for this generous award is best summed up by Ian Palmer, Liveryman Jane Palmer’s husband, in this short video. An excellent description of our Company too! Click on his picture below to hear what he has to say:
