Saturday May 30th was the date of the Medway Barge Race, an annual event for barge skippers and crew to show their skill and experience in sailing these historic vessels in friendly but serious competition.
Onboard “Reminder” Topsail Charters was offering a three day weekend from Maldon to participate in the race. Guests joined Thursday evening for supper prepared by our hostess, followed by a chance to explore Maldon’s waterfront. “Reminder” was built to win the 1929 Medway Barge Race, so this year’s race was a historic way to celebrate her 80th year.
“Reminder” in the 1929 Medway Race.
Early Friday morning, the barge set off into the rising sun for a passage down the Blackwater and into the Swin to cross the lower Thames and head over to the Medway, a route taken by bargemen since the late 19th century.
The race day dawned with fresh Easterly winds, the barges weighed anchor and the skippers jostled for their starting positions. “Reminder’s” main contender was her sister ship “Repertor”, also built at Horlock’s of Mistley in 1926. Prizes are awarded for first over the start line; first round the outer mark; first, second and third home; and most coveted of all the Seamanship Prize for the best display of skill by a skipper during the race.
Skipper Paul Jeffries, brought home a second prize silver cup, first awarded in 1978 to the “Spinaway C”, a barge long since disappeared. Crew and customers went ashore to the Medway Yacht Club for the prize giving and the traditional filling of cups by the mate (with whatever alcoholic concotion he thinks of, always mixed with fresh silver polish!).
Sunday was another glorious day for the Passage back, crew and customers alike returning to Maldon, tired but happy and with red faces.
This weekend away was part of “Reminder’s” 2009 public programme which you can join as an individual. You can also hire her for a private weekend for up to 12 guests.
