The last race of the 2024 Season held on Saturday 12 October should have been the race sponsored by St. Michaels Hotel ‘Oyster Festival’. Unfortunately the Festival had to be cancelled at the last minute due to spiralling costs.
The origin of the Festival was to celebrate the importance and traditions of the Falmouth Estuary Oyster Fishery. The racing fleet has evolved from the boats which still fish the Oyster beds in the winter months.
At the last minute Amy and Tracy of the Seven Stars Inn on the Moor in Falmouth stepped up and ran a three day event at their Inn and incorporated a replacement race.
Several boats had already laid up for the winter so it was excellent to see an eight boat turnout.
The light airs freshed to a good breeze which allowed John Maunder the race Officer to set a demanding course.
In B-Class, Nellie May and Meloris battled out for first place. Winnie had a gear failure when her topsail halyard parted and she retired hurt.
Coming through the gate for the last round in front, Meloris set off for the finish, not realising they still had another mark to round which let Nellie May into the lead. Meloris soon corrected herself and turned round in pursuit, catching and showing her speed, passing Nellie coming up to the finish line to take line honours.
In C-Class there were two entries Juanita and Truth. Juanita went on to win after Truth decided to retire.
Everyone went back to The Seven Stars where hospitality flowed with Beer and Pasties. Many of the crews whose boats were already laid up turned up and a great locals get together ensued.
It was brilliant to look around the marquee venue and see a host of local faces, that’s what it is all about!
Handicap results:
B-Class
- Meloris – Sam Heard
- Nellie May – Will Miners
- Mildred – Dave Cockwell
- Abigail Rose – Sam Harding
- Moon – Trevor Murphy
- Winnie – A. Williams
C-Class
- Juanita- Jon Brunee
- Truth-Ross Collett