More power in the tide than the wind

he early morning fog was beginning to clear as assorted, mainly classic boats crossed the start line of the Maldon The challenge soon became clear: to round the tidal mark before the flood was too strong in the faintest of zephyrs, causing boats to drift back the way they came. The smacks all made it round, and so did half the yachts, like the lovely Albert Strange , winner of the gaff-rigged yachts, and the Stella , second in classic wooden yachts class behind . However, many others were soon reporting their retirement to the committee boat. That first leg proved too far. Little improved with the start of the second race from Osea Island to Maldon Quay when boats drifted back on the tide. Nevertheless at the prize giving, talk was of the joy of the return of this regatta after a year’s enforced absence. The first-placed large smack was and was the small smack class winner. The gaff-rigged cruising yachts produced a win for and a second for John Roger’s in the other cruising class.