Christchurch’s Barnes wins Challenge Trophy

AS part of the 150th-anniversary celebrations, Christchurch Sailing Club held a race for the Challenge Trophy, a silver bowl initially presented by the ladies of the club back in 1914.

In an early start, race officer Simon Percival informed the sailors that the race would be a single start lap, with an expected lap time of an hour.

The organisers hosted the race in spring, hoping for nice weather, but the day was overcast and grey.

However, that did not deter the fleet of 34 that started the race at the bottom of Christchurch Harbour.

The fleet was mixed with ILCAs, Finns, Quests, Teras, Christchurch Scows and even a Tideway competing.

After an hour on the water, the race team signalled the end of the race before heading back to the club for the prize-giving.

Commodore Keith Barkway thanked the race team and Russell New for preparing the pre-race nourishment before awarding the prizes.

The top three in each class received glassware – additionally, the overall winner, first Scow, first lady, and first over-60 earned trophies.

Long-serving member Ewen Barnes took home not only the Challenge Cup and first Scow award but the over-60s cup on what happened to be his 70th birthday.

Results – Juniors: 1, Max Rayner; 2, Jake K; 3, Theo Forbes. Scow: 1, Ewen Barnes; 2, Stuart Percival; 3, Paul De La Feullade. Class Four: 1, Lindsay Venner; 2, Merrick Gill; 3, Ian Dendle. Class Five: 1, Clare De La Feullade; 2, Nina Jackson; 3, Malcom Hadley.