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Merrydown Regatta 2022 : 24th & 25th September

Some words from our Vice Commordore - Helen Vrba that summed up a fabulous Merrydown Regatta weekend :

" Welcome everyone to the 2022 Merrydown prizegiving. What a terrific weekend it's been great racing conditions, slightly chilly though, a reminder that the frostbite series isn't that far off. You've all come off the water on a high after two days of racing in brilliant conditions.

It's now 68 years since Merrydown took on the sponsorship for this event back then it was sailed from Ryde Rowing Club's old premises on Ryde Pier. Can you join me in welcoming Neville Hall who has once again made the trip across the water to join us. Neville took part in that original event, so we're delighted to see him again. The Merrydown, in all its various forms, does hold the record for the longest-running sponsorship of any sports event, anywhere. RVYC is particularly proud to have taken on the running of the regatta from Ryde Rowing Club.

The event has come a long, long way since 1954, and sailing and racing back then would be quite unrecognisable today no buoyancy aids, no wetsuits, probably just plain old oilskins!

It takes a lot of work to get this event up and running, both on and off the water. My thanks to Martin Harrison as our PRO, with his race team of Matt and Nick, and to Rod and Patty Hall for running the Scow races. Our safety boat team is as exceptional as ever : Tim, Tony, Steve, Mike, Steve, Piers, Simon, Martin, Charlotte. Thank you to our bosuns Martyn and John for ensuring all our club craft are fit for the water.

On shore, our beachmasters, Susie and Liz (the trolley dollies), got everyone afloat and back on their trollies. Buster kept the comms going (at low power!), and Dide coordinated all the House aspects. We do need to give Danny and his team a big shout-out please fab food and drink and great service. We're lucky to have them and long may it all continue!

Lastly, there is one person without whom none of this would have happened as it has Our RCS, Jane. Without you, and your jollying along and encouragement and hard work behind the scenes, we would not have such a wonderful event. Thank you. "

Regatta Results are available on this link https://rvyc.iws8.co.uk/series.php

Some prizegiving photos on our gallery https://www.rvyc.org.uk/gallery/198523

See you all in 2023 !