RM Commando Forces Regatta 2007

The first RM commando forces offshore regatta was held from 2-6 July 2007 out of Hornet in Gosport.The aim was to race six Victoria 34s from the JSSATC each crewed by different RM units.

Although the RM has many sailors in its ranks most of them sail without any RM connection. This event provided a fun and competitive environment in which to bring them together and experience competitive racing.

The event started on Monday, with the day being used to take over the boats and have an initial afternoon sail. Work commitments yet again had a major impact with teams falling away in the last few days before the event. This resulted in only three teams taking part: FLEET/mixed, CTCRM, and 1 Assault Group.

Tuesday morning saw the racing start with four short course races being run in the Solent, followed by a short passage race to the overnight venue of Cowes marina. A similar format followed for Wednesday, again staying overnight in Cowes, before a number of short races on Thursday and a return to Hornet on Thursday afternoon. The prize giving took place in Hornet Sailing Club in the evening. The overall regatta winner was awarded to the FLEET/mixed boat, skippered by Lt Col Kev Oliver RM.

A fun and competitive week was had by all those involved. The aspiration is to run a similar event in summer 2008, although the increasing operational plot is making this very difficult. Should this event take place in 2008, it will provide an ideal event to nurture inexperienced sailors, from whicha pool of people can be selected to sail in RM/RN boats at the services off shore regatta.

Huge thanks must go to Tony Higham (RN Rtd, father of Duncan Higham) and Tim Norman-Walker (RN Rtd) for their generous provision of time, experience and patience, without which the event would not have been possible.

RM Commando Forces Regatta 2007 The first RM commando forces offshore regatta was held from 2-6 July 2007 out of Hornet in Gosport.The aim was.... No picture available

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