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The second start was much better, under the Yarmouth shore, committee boat end
and on the line as the start gun went. While the majority of the fleet sailed across to
the mainland in a dying breeze for the first mark off Durns barrier, we tacked up the
Island shore in what appeared to be a developing northeasterly.
We picked our way across the Solent and by the time we rounded the first mark we
had a healthy lead that we were able to keep hold of to the finish line. Rob Reed and
Isobella had crewed ‘Madelaine’ expertly on the last race of the week to first overall for
Folkboat week, a feat we last achieved many years ago in a folkboat called ‘Charlotte
Sometimes.’ And in so doing, Isobella became the youngest ever crew at the age of
13 to crew on the winning boat, unless Simon Osgood was younger when Tomic used
to clean up!
The eponymous Madelaine made it back for the prize giving as we celebrated a great
week with the fleet and a roller coaster of a year for ‘Madelaine.’ All made possible by
the fabulous Rob Reed, along with friends and family, especially Isobella.
Next year we hope to compete in the 75th Gold Cup (missing Cowes and Folkboat
weeks), along with Round the Island and the Folkboat nationals.
Folkboats Forever!
Edward Donald
