The Inter-livery Sailing Challenge
The Inter-livery Sailing Challenge is in its second year and the team from WCIT made our presence known, both socially and on the water competition.
The event is held at the Seaview Yacht Club on the Isle of Wight, organised by George Bastin (Past Master Ironmonger) and Mat Webb Jenkins (a Freeman of the Ironmongers). The club offer up their fleet of day boats called Mermaids, a 25ft (7.6m) open keel day boat, which needs a crew of 4 to handle the tight racing conditions. The weekend is George’s brainchild, following on from his success in starting the Great XII Sailing Regatta and the City Livery skiing, and he has now raised more than £1m for charity through these events!
The weekend was organised incredibly well with a tight schedule:
Weekend Schedule
- Friday Practice (2:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Team practice in one of the Club’s Mermaids; support boats available to take the crews out and back.
- Friday Supper (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Casual Thai Curry (with veggie options) and Sticky Toffee Pudding.
- Saturday Breakfast (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Bacon butties, coffee, and fuel for the day.
- Saturday Briefing (9:00 AM Prompt): Compulsory for all sailors.
- Saturday Lunch (12:00 PM – 2:30 PM): Buffet available at the club.
- Saturday Dinner & Prizegiving (7:00 PM Reception | 8:00 PM Dinner): Three-course dinner
Some 19 teams entered fielded by 15 Livery Companies hitting the water in Seaview’s delightful fleet of Mermaids, ready to do whatever it takes to lift the Princess Royal Challenge Cup – a trophy which is not only prestigious in meaning, but now a splendid item, kindly provided by the Glass Sellers.
The tone was set on a sunny Friday, as intrepid sailors arrived to practise their moves that afternoon. In all, 11 teams went out to wrestle with spinnakers and jibs, while tacking and gybing ferociously in lovely conditions. They weren’t used to this level of determination, and it boded well for a competitive Saturday.
Friday evening saw a full house at Seaview Yacht Club, where food and wine was taken, the atmosphere was most convivial, clearly everyone had their eyes on the prize the following day.
Saturday kicked off with bacon rolls at the club and everyone was on time for Nick’s briefing at 9 am. We had split our crews into 3 teams:
Skipper 1: Peter Charlesworth with Julia George, Leah Black & Richard Harvey
Skipper 2: Byron Glover with John Wyn, Sue Black and Martin Wright
Skipper 3: Paul Finch with James Parkinson, Nell (Clerk to the Tallow Chandlers) and Phil of the Dyers – a random team.
And then we were off – the first of 4 races went out in what was probably the kindest of conditions for the day. The first WCIT team led by Peter Charlesworth clocked up a ninth place, in race 2, the team skippered by Paul Finch secure an impressive 4th place. The afternoon was split into two halves, where the top 5 in each of the heats were entered into the final race. Peter secured a 2nd place and Paul a paltry 9th, meaning Peter’s team came 11th overall and Paul’s team 13th – out of 19 boats. Byron’s team missed the start line and were awarded a consolation prize of a Spec Savers Voucher, much hilarity followed at the Prize Giving.
The Turners continuing their imperious form from the previous year, romping home in first place.
Race 2 was also well fought, with the Shipwrights showing the way and, beating the competition across the line, became the overall winners taking home the Princess Royal Challenge Cup.
Peta Walmsley presented a trophy in memory of her late husband, which was nice to see. Many memories and friends were made and everyone is enthusiastic about going again next year.
Dates for diaries: Seaview Yacht Club on 10th/11th September 2027
If you would like to join us please email Paul Finch
