UTSC Club Championships – Silver, Sunshine, and Serious Sailing
Six races. Two days. One Silver Burgee.
This weekend, Upper Thames Sailing Club hosted the annual Club Championships, and what a weekend it was.
We had:
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Consistent back-to-back racing
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A bit of breeze (thankfully)
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Some glorious September sunshine for the most part
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And a brilliant turnout across fleets and classes — all racing for the coveted Silver Burgee Trophy and the Gold trophy - sadly not made of gold but named after its presnter a Mr Gold
⛵ On the Water
Across the six races, the club was a hive of energy and strategy, with:
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Two Thames Raters going head-to-head in elegant, high-speed duels
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Merlin Rockets slicing through the gusts with tight tacks and punchy spinnaker runs
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A healthy OK fleet, trimming hard and taking every wind shift
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And the handicap boats (Wayfarers, Lightnings, Lasers, Toppers and more) battling not just each other, but the clock
🌞 Perfect Weather – Mostly
The wind held steady for most of the event, keeping things lively without tipping too many boats over. Saturday saw the best sunshine, with Sunday offering slightly shiftier winds — just enough to keep the helms honest and the crews busy.
🏆 The Spirit of the Burgee
The Silver Burgee Trophy isn't just about speed — it's about:
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Skill
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Consistency
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Tactics
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And sometimes just staying upright
The races were clean, competitive, and well-fought. Only two capsizes (that we saw), even though the wind was gusty at times, lots of cheers from the riverbank, and plenty of learning moments — for beginners and veterans alike.
👏 Thank You
Huge thanks to the race committee, to my safety boat crews, all the other volunteers, and the house committee who kept everything running smoothly in the clubhouse (and everyone fed).
Whether you were racing for silver, supporting from the bank, or just watching in awe as the Raters flew past — this was the Club at its best.
Final Word
Events like the UTSC Club Championships remind us what makes club sailing so special: camaraderie, competition, and that unbeatable moment when the wind fills your sail and everything clicks.
Until next year – tack well, gybe clean, and may your mainsheet never tangle.
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