Club’s chilly tub race

Tub racing has become an annual fixture in the Guernsey Yacht Club calendar, and is an open event in which you do not have to have any experience in order to participate.

And, as one competitor found out, experience often was more of a hindrance than a help.

Overseeing the event was GYC commodore Anna Rivers, who said that while several years ago the races took place in the harbour, moving them to the pond has made them more accessible.

As usual, funds raised by the event would be distributed between the RNLI, CI Air Search and the Guernsey Sailing Trust.

The fibreglass tubs used have had floats, a small keel and a sail fitted and race in heats of four, with the winners going on to future rounds.

Even on the comparatively calm waters of the Model Yacht Pond the event proved challenging, with the wind speed and direction varying depending on where the competitors were.

While newcomers were encouraged to take part, one competitor had a bit of experience behind him – former stone sailing world champion and NatWest Island Games silver medallist Andy Bridgman.

But it was trying to put his experience to good use that probably cost him the race in one of the early heats: ‘I was trying to sail it like a dinghy, but that didn’t quite work,’ he said.

The winner of his heat was delighted to have defeated such a renowned competitor – Mr Bridgman’s mum, Margaret: ‘I’ve not been in a sailing boat for five years,’ said the elated victor.

For one first-timer there was a literal baptism as Allie Winterton’s craft caught a freak gust of wind and tipped her into the pond.

This was her first experience of sailing of any sort, she said.

‘I just joined the yacht club this year as part of the dinghy crew.

‘I only came here today as a spectator.’

Fortunately she had changed into sailing attire before taking to the water, so was able to put on some dry clothes after her soaking.

She could have done with something else, too: ‘I’m regretting doing dry January already,’ she said.