2011 Swale Regatta Update

THE Gazette held onto the Media Challenge Trophy for a second year, despite crashing and damaging the boat before the race even started.

 

Sheppey Gazette reporter Suz Elvey, skipper Peter Fisher and his brother Kevin battled gale force winds, driving rain, a delayed start and the “at sea” accident on Friday (June 17) to take home the trophy as part of the Swale Regatta.

The day began shortly after 9am. The Gazette team was the third boat over the start line and soon sailed past biggest rival, Mojo.

Kitted out in waterproof jacket and trousers, the pouring rain, force six winds and the boat tipping over until the deck was almost vertical failed to dampen spirits following the course of buoys and markers from Queenborough, up the River Medway and back again.

Peter said: “The whole crew was delighted to win the Media Challenge Trophy. Each cup-winning yacht will receive a case of beer, provided by one of the race sponsors Shepherd Neame, and the crew will be enjoying this (responsibly). The Swale Regatta weekend was very exciting and challenging, but for Calviere II to win a cup is a bonus.”

In an exclusive interview with AfloatTV Suz said “I really enjoyed taking part in Swale Regatta this year, especially when I found out we’d won the trophy. There was a much bigger build up to the Media Challenge Trophy this year with competitors (mainly Eddie Johnson) taunting each other weeks in advance and boasting about how they were going to win.

“My skipper Peter Fisher and his brother Kevin were a brilliant crew. They allowed me to feel like I was really joining in, pulling on the ropes when we were going about and even letting me have a go on the tiller towards the end.

“Even the torrential rain didn’t spoil my regatta experience. Normally I hate being wet and cold but I was having so much fun I barely noticed it was pouring hard and blowing a gale.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to Peter and Kevin, and to Eddie Johnson for organising the Media Challenge Trophy.”