News - 2014

12:16 Tuesday 5 Aug 2014 Sue Pelling/CWLRoyal Naval sailing team proud to fly the flag on commemorative day

Royal Naval crew aboard the Hallberg Rassy 31 – Widgeon. Photo Rick Tomlinson.

Nick Fletcher Captain of the Royal Navy Rtd and his five-strong Royal Naval crew aboard his Hallberg Rassy 31 – Widgeon – are racing in Cruiser B fleet. The team from Hornet Services, Gosport, have been sailing together for many years, including last year at Aberdeen Asset Management Cowes Week where they took a respectable fourth overall in class.

Fletcher said that the team is particularly looking forward to all the activities taking place in Cowes today to mark the 100 year anniversary of the first shot from sea that was fired from the gun of HMS Lance in the North Sea.

Chatting as he left dock this morning, Fletcher said: “It is fantastic to see HMS Mersey moored off Cowes because it takes us back to the days when there was always a military guard ship at the end of the line.

“We are enjoying a great week and having a lot of fun trying to make our cruising boat go fast. We’ve had lots of comment from those who say they have never seen a Hallberg Rassy with a crew with legs over the side; they are usually in the cockpit sipping Champagne.

“We have a good helmsman – Mike Shrives who is a Commander of the Royal Navy – he has a lot of experience, up to Admiral’s Cup level, so it is natural the boat was always going to be sailed well.”

Team Widgeon, who were the top Royal Naval Sailing Association boat in Black Group in 2013, are looking to repeat their performance this year. They are currently lying fourth in class following a third place on the opening day and if they keep up their performance they could be in with chance.

“The aim is to take the racing seriously and improve our fourth place in class last year but because we came second in the early entry prize draw where we won a host of wonderful prizes including a £150 bar tab, it is not easy.”