Christmas Pudding Race. 2009.
The last race of 2009 saw nine hardy souls take to the river in freezing conditions.
The start was delayed because competitors were unable to uncover and rig their boats, the severe frost having frozen solid all the cover ties, and sheets in the boats. One crew even resorted to using a blow torch to thaw various parts of their rigging.
As tradition dictated, this event took the form of a pursuit race. The topper of Peter Cullum started first, followed by Phil Gooch's Supernova and the Lasers of Arthur Wells and Tom Frost. The classic Phantom, helmed by Stephen Riley then set off, followed eventually by Andrew and Michael Cullum, and Simon and David Cullum in their Javelins.
As the race progressed conditions became more difficult. Frozen sheets failed to thaw, indeed any rope that picked up water froze solid within minutes.
Peter Cullum retired, citing frostbite. The Javelins eventually reeled in the Phantom and Lasers. Andrew and Michael were overtaken by Simon and David, the latter's spinnaker handling proving decisive. As the time limit neared the leading boats became closer, however when the final gun sounded Phil Gooch was in first place, around twenty yards ahead of Simon and David with Andrew and Michael another twenty yards back.
Most people agreed that these were some of the coldest conditions in which they had ever sailed.
Final results
1st Phil Gooch, 2nd Simon & David Cullum, 3rd Andrew & Michael Cullum, 4th Arthur Wells, 5th Tom Frost, 6th Stephen Riley. Rtd Peter Cullum.
Thanks must go to all the people who manned the starters box and safety boat.
Thanks also to all the people who manned the galley and every one who made the day such a success.
