Every two years SSC and BASC go head to head for the Gilmer Trophy which commemorates the twinning of the cities of Bath and Alkmaar in Holland. Whilst Alkmaar no longer travel the event marks the gratitude of the people of Alkmaar for the help that they received from Bath following World War 2.
Some have referred to this as an event where the first leg is sailed on a pond with the next round sailed on a ditch ! That said the competition is no less serious and with twenty boats on the water each venue was pretty busy.
Shearwater took full advantage of being at home for the first leg and over the three races pulled out a big lead. The Dayboat of Geoff Pell and Sandy Lavelles Albacore proved particularly strong on the day. It was also good to see both clubs fielding a number of juniors.
The return leg at Bristol Avon on the river is always interesting for those who have not sailed there before. Narrow Boats, shallows and Paddle Boards coupled with a fitful breeze were bound to provide an interesting day.
The Rooster 8.1s stormed away in the first race however a change in the breeze brought the slower boats into contention with the Lightnings of BASC showing how good they are on a river. With 50 points back in the bag the home club were on a roll and maintained the pressure into race 2 with the Roosters once again benefitting from their tall rigs above the river bank. Into Race 3 and with a BFD for one of the Roosters and the Moth retiring the results were in the balance.
With the final outcome closely guarded results were announced with Shearwater clinging on to the trophy by the finest of margins over a total of 6 races.
On behalf of Shearwater Chris Mulholland thanked all of those and in particular his opposite number Mick Parnell who had contributed to the event over the two legs. Next year marks the 25th anniversary of the event, there is no doubt that Bristol Avon will be plotting the return of the trophy to their clubhouse.
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