This year's Arrow Trophy racing was held over the weekend of 5-6 October in the Solent. Having won the Fairview Fleet last year, the Tonbridge boat was promoted back to the Sunsail Fleet (our rightful home we feel |;). We were delighted that the crew this year contained some younger OTs who are new to the Arrow Trophy, furthering the OTSA's mission to broaden access and provides younger OTs with subsidised opportunities to take part in yacht racing.

The team comprised of Alistair Impey (OTSA secretary) on helm, with Ed Males as navigator and tactician. Alex Masters, Artem Vasenin and I were in the cockpit, and Max Aylmer assisted by our 2 ringers, Jacques Miller and Max Waller, were the bow team.

Saturday's fleet racing started well with a 4th place finish in the first race, which put us in contention for Sunday's match racing (the top 4 boats qualify). However, in spite of some excellent work from the helm, tactician and crew we were unable to maintain this position coming 6th, 7th and 5th (out of 10) in the subsequent closely-fought races. In a move guaranteed to jolly our spirits, Artem inadvertently inflated his life vest leaving him trapped on the rail (see pic).

On Sunday, with the top 4 boats competing in match racing, we were hopeful that the Tonbridge boat would do well in the fleet racing. We made a bright start in the 1st race rounding the final windward mark in 1st place, but unfortunately the wind gods did not favour our downwind leg and we were overtaken by Marlborough to finish 2nd. In the 2nd, and final, race we were perfectly set up for a competitive start, expertly shutting all the other boats out at the committee boat end of the line; but sadly the Uppingham boat had a different plan and collided with us shortly before the start. Although the damage to our boat was only superficial and not our fault, the racing rules meant that we were obliged to retire from the 2nd race and we recorded a Did Not Finish.

In spite of our retirement, overall, Tonbridge came 2nd in the Sunsail Fleet - a great result - and because the 1st place boat was excluded from silverware for having too many ringers, Tonbridge won the Charterhouse Bowl, which will be presented later this month.

As ever, it was an excellent weekend, with good company, dry and sunny conditions and fair winds. Richard & Ursula Hollis (MH 1966-71) provided a wonderful and convivial dinner on Friday night at their house in Cowes, and B&B for those not sleeping on the boat. And the Arrow Trophy dinner on Saturday night was held once more in the Royal Ocean Racing Club's premises in Cowes, which are newly refurbished and look sparkling.

Many thanks to everyone who took part and many congratulations to the whole team for a great result.

If you would like to get involved in OT Sailing, please get in touch with me via my email (below) or Tonbridge Connect.

Nick Pointon (nick@pointon.net)

OTSA Team Photo

From left: Nick Pointon (WH 1984-89), Max Waller, Alistair Impey (PH 1963-67), Alex Masters (JH & WH 1985-90), Ed Males (WW 1998-01), Jacques Miller, Artem Vasenin (PS 2012-14), Max Aylmer (PS 2011-16)