16th June - Henley

A technical hitch on Henley’s Golden Mile delayed procedure today. The centreboard lever developed a crack almost the entire way across. It required fixing immediately otherwise we would lose all use of the centreboard and therefore all steerage.

We were absolutely determined not to be forced to abandon the tidal part of our fundraiser so we put in a call to Bill Mitchell (Coombes Boatyard, Bembridge). He pointed us in the direction of Peter Freebody, a former Bembridge man, who builds and restores the glorious slipper launches at Henley. Incredibly, Freebody’s Boatyard was only two miles downstream and, despite being fantastically busy in the lead up to Henley Royal Regatta, Peter, Dick and his team downed tools and set to work welding the lever. We are eternally grateful to them for their time in support of the Bembridge RNLI Appeal. A humble scow repaired amongst the aristocracy of the river.

Essential repairs

Short-tacking across the Henley Royal Regatta Course

Warm welcome at Henley from BSC members Andrew and Gilly Howard

Watch out there's an eight about to bump you

Total for the day - 6 locks, final mast drop, 16 miles covered, 10 minutes sailing & no spinnaker hoists