Mission accomplished....
Secretary
...The Rolex Vaucluse Challenge trophy remains at DBSC. We won both the home and away legs in both fleets.
Master-Commander of the French enclave, Monsieur Tinker-bell observed:
"The starts were not auspicious for Vaucluse with every one of our boats over the line in both the full and radial start, while every DBSC boat was behind the line. We are as surprised as anyone that occurred."
Dene Bergman, Life Member and Emeritus Director of the Centre of Engineering Excellence, presented the eponymous trophy for the standard rig inter-club champion to his great mate and wonderful sailor Mark B. Speaking at the presentation, The Wise Master said:
"When he came second over the line, I was very disappointed until I found out Zoolander wasn't a member of either of our clubs. Tears of joy then flowed."
The Graham Read/Reid/Reed trophy (radial inter club champion) was retained by Grasshopper 2.0. Speaking at the presentation, Grasshopper 2.0 remarked,
"I was being pushed by the other DBSCers all the way. It was a tougher competition than the nationals, particularly with the tide running out.)
All sailors enjoyed a great race up at VYC. And a marvellous BBQ at the DBSC clubhouse. Once again Deb manned the BBQ and put in a strong claim to take over from PC.
At the presentation, we enjoyed a wonderful speech from Graham Reed/Reid/Read. He is a living legend. First joined VYC in October 1944 as a twelve year old. Won a Laser masters world title in 1999. At a spritely 82 he still sails his Laser occasionally. His recollection of sailing on the harbour during the war was fascinating. His name is on the VYC honour boards 62 times (there's an aspirational target for Dear Leader). And they still spelled his name wrong on his trophy!
Yet again the VYC/DBSC challenge provided good racing and comradery. It's a great event on our calendar.