Brothers Memorial Race 2025
After a Summer of heat waves and predominately light winds the fleets looked forward to some good breezes at the end of the season. But Autumn arrived with strong winds, the last day of Falmouth Week, Fowey Week ,Toby and Tatty cups, and then on September 6th The Brothers Memorial race all had to be cancelled. Very disappointing for all concerned .
Not to be deterred, the crews and organising teams assembled in the early evening at The Seaview Inn, Falmouth. The Inn has been a favourite of the sailing fraternity for several years since John Peters (Chairman) was the landlord for eight years and being a yachtsman himself encouraged local sailors and numerous superyacht crews to regularly use the pub. Contrary to its name the Seaview has a panoramic view of the sailing in the inner Harbour and not the sea. A perfect place to watch the Working Boats racing whilst enjoying a beer or two. Many races have been won by the ‘Sea Wall Admirals’ on the patio of the Pub.
The Brothers abandoned race is held each year to remember two brothers, Paul and Leon who were regular crew on the Victory with Toby West. Not only were they crew afloat, but were a huge part of the singing fraternity back ashore. Leon especially played a guitar as an accompanist to the voices giving a great depth to the songs. A special trophy was put up for this race in the form of a small model guitar on a wood plinth for the first wooden boat, made by another crew member David Shone, to a design by brother Bruce.
The two brothers, Bruce and Joe attended the evening but with no prizes attributable to the boats it was decided to fill one of the cups, in the tradition of the race, with Gin and Tonic, and each attending skipper obliged to take a drink in memory of Paul and Leon.
The seaview which is now owned by the local Falmouth Brewery, ‘Verdant’, generously provided copious amounts of beers and very tasty curries to all the assembled crews, which went down very well.
In the true tradition of Working Boat events Joe and Bruce rose to the occasion, starting off with Bruce conducting and Joe singing his signature ‘Pavorotii’ operatic version with everybody joining in as directed by Bruce!!
Joe used to work on the Falmouth Harbour refuelling barge moored frequently in the middle of the harbour out of ear shot, there he used to use any spare time to practice and perfect his singing, and memorise his huge repertoire of songs.
Everyone joined in the singsong and enjoyed the hospitality of the Seaview Inn. Hoping the next weekend, The Harbour Races on Saturday and Sunday will not be blown out.
Pictured below are Joe and Bruce in full voice. Sat with Legends, Freddy Baker,Chris Hoskin and Peter (Morty) Morton.
