This year's match had a disappointing lead up, with only 6 barges entering the match. However, the barges that did enter put up a fantastic show, with close racing throughout the day and all the barges in with a chance leading up to the final reaches.

The River and Coasting Class were dropped and the barges divided into Bowsprits (Edme, Adieu and Marjorie) and Staysail (Orinoco, Repertor and Edith May).

It was the Edith May's first race back for nearly 20 years, but she made a bad start to her comeback, crossing the line over 6 minutes after the starters gun. Repertor was first with Orinoco not far behind.

The Bowsprit class saw a superb start from the Edme but the Adieu and Marjorie both crossed within 53 seconds to make it a good show.

The barges headed downriver in a light NW 1-2 but lost the breeze in Kethole. The Repertor's slender lead proved vital as she picked up a breeze of her own and built a 25 minute lead by the outer mark. The other barges drifted downriver, unable to do anything until the wind picked up as they sailed toward Sheerness.

The course was shortened to No.3 bouy and the Repertor was first to the outer mark, with the Edme first of the Bowsprits not long after. The Repertor chose to stand on toward Essex, but these tactics did not prove fruitful, as almost all the other barges stood in toward the Minster shore. When the barges entered the Garrison, her big lead had been cut to nothing and her and the Edith May were neck and neck.

A long beat ensued up the river, with the Edme extending her lead at the front whilst the barges behind were all in close contention for 2nd overall.

A fresh breeze suddenly cropped up when the barges entered Kethole again, a complete contrast to the way out! Blowing SW 5-6, staysails were hurridly dropped and topsails rucked. Edme, Marjorie and Edith May kept their topsails flying and were able to pull away from the rest of the pack.

Edme crossed the line at Gillingham well in front, with the Edith May about 25 minutes behind, winning the Staysail Class, closely followed by the Marjorie.

The Seamanship Prize was awarded to the Orinoco, for sailing a professional match and staying out of trouble in testing conditions, when several others did not.

The full results were as follows:

Staysail:

1st - Edith May

2nd - Repertor

3rd - Orinoco

Bowsprit

1st - Edme

2nd - Marjorie

3rd - Adieu

l-r: Orinoco, Edith May and Edme heading downriver.

For general enquiries please email:

info@medwaybargematch.co.uk