The River Race Dinner slipped further to starboard than is normally acceptable, there was almost a danger of it clashing with Easter, however all went well in the end.

Well almost, there were a few un-programmed events that added to the evening in ways not normally appreciated. Suffice to say that fresh air has a wonderful recuperative effect and that calls for a prize for best distraction at next years dinner will be considered in due course. There has also been a suggestion of a prize for the best excuse in not attending the dinner – an outright winner this year would have been awarded to the individual conducting a HSE audit on the shores of the Caspian the following morning!

Moving on, besides the racing programme, Fowey Classics is once again in the line up for ‘foreign’ events and hopefully an excursion eastwards to the Solent area will be slotted in somewhere, maybe to coincide with another class of seven boats – the Js ?

Finally Classic Boat’s Vanessa Bird is about to launch her new book entitled Classic Classes, amongst the famous she has found room to feature the AODs in what looks to be a very promising  publication – no doubt there will be a few orders forthcoming from this corner of Devon.

Next year sees an event worthy of celebration in the AOD calendar, fortunately it avoids clashing with other such jubilees this year. For in 2013 the AODs will be able to celebrate 60 years of existence. In 1953 Whimbrel, the first AOD was launched, it is felt that this event should be marked in some way or other – perhaps a Diamond Jubilee Regatta – or even the world championships; watch this page!

The annual trip for the Axe One Designs to Fowey Classics coincided with a reasonable spell of weather during the first week of August. Five AODs took part, three from Axe, Whimbrel, Gemini & Teal and two from the Solent; Gannet and Swallow. This was Gannet’s first West Country outing west of Axe and a return to her place of build. The two of them brought along their own support craft (large white Benetau’s), which provided additional aspects to the social side, tea and G&T.

This was the 20th anniversary of the event and the majority verdict was that it was the best so far, Roy Downes – FC impresario has certainly bowed out on a high and we thank him for making FC such a hugely enjoyable event over the years. This year the races were held in light to moderate winds (unlike last year’s survival conditions) and the only period of rain occurred overnight. Mike and Jane in Teal put in their usual tip top performance and came away with the Trafalgar Cup – overall winners of the Thursday race. The social activities were equally enjoyable both ashore and afloat, one member surprised the team by doing rather well in the wine tasting competition…..

Now that the season has drawn to a close, it is time to reflect on the River Race results. This years series has been one of the most successful ever with eight of the nine programmed races being sailed, in addition a separate river race was held on the Axmouth Flower Show day (to be known as the Shower Flow Race – Cup to be presented with it becoming an annual fixture). Plus the Harbour Race below the bridge.

AODs racing within the AYC general handicap series fought a close battle to the very end, but with just a two point lead, the River Shield was secured by AOD No.1 – Whimbrel sailed by Nigel Daniel. The Jack Drew Cup specifically for the AOD class ended up in a tie between Whimbrel and Jane & Mike Calvert sailing No.22 – Teal. However no ties withstanding, Jane won on the best to worst score comparison.

The River Race Dinner is next on the agenda and of course we eagerly await the 2011 tide tables to plan yet another series of river races, lets hope next year will be as good as this.

Seasonal Greetings……….

The previous day saw four of the AODs sailing on the Dart, No.s 1, 8, 22 & 23 headed down for the regatta activities. Again the sun obliged and a pleasant sail was had both up and down the Dart with an excellent lunch at RDYC who were very kind in allowing the small fleet to temporarily rest at their pontoon.

As the evenings start to draw in the AYC River Race series draws to a close leaving the annual River Race Dinner as next item on the agenda.

Several of the class will be on display at the show this afternoon.

Gannet took on hardly any water which is more than can be said for Swallow who accompanied the sea trial – not having been afloat for some time, similarities to sieves and colanders were remarked upon – however there is almost a sixty year age difference.

The launching of Gannet could now deem to be the start of the Solent fleet of Axe One Designs, although she is destined for an official launch and naming at the Axe in the early summer – hopefully all seven will sail together, the largest gathering afloat since 1968.

Overall the River Race series has been well sponsored and a good proportion of the races completed, the only notable non entrant this year was Swallow, she couldn’t be enticed westwards from the Solent.

As ever the Jack Drew Cup was keenly fought over but consistency won through, Jane & Mike Calvert in Teal (and occasionally just Jane) entered the most races and clocked up minimal points to be this year’s winners. Second place went Nigel Daniel in Whimbrel and third went to Bryan Davis in Gemini.

No.23 – Gannet completed build late summer and is presently being fitted out and varnished. Chris Brown is hoping to launch before the first frost, initially at Ashlett Creek, then a proper naming at the Axe.

A keen eyed observer has noted that the Sea View One Design proclaims on its website to be the the only traditional clinker built one design class in the country that is expanding by new building. Well they now share this pleasure with the Axe One designs!