I do not know how far back “The Newcombe Cup” goes, nor does the Historian of The Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club, but by 1960 it was certainly put up by The Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club as the “Sea” section of the then Whitsun Bank Holiday series for the “All Rounder Trophy” for Merlin Rockets the other parts being provided by the Waveney & Oulton Broad Yacht club on Oulton Broad or up the dyke and ontoThe River Waveney, over three or two days. In the 1960’s “The Newcombe Cup” was a Sea Silver Tiller Race, in 1962 it was the first Silver Tiller Race I won. Sadly whilst Lowestoft provides the very best in sea sailing, on its day, in light winds the tides make it very difficult and when it blows from the East the waves breaking on the Newcombe Bank just off the harbour can make it rather too interesting! The ground silting means the inshore channel is silted to make it impassable, the loss of Lowestoft as a large commercial port due to the fishing industry decline, means it is not dredged as it was.
It is a big cup (About 8pints!) and is, I think, retained by the club after presentation as is increasingly the way these days. It is not very old silver but probably had a prior life.
It has frequently been blown off at sea and sailed for on Oulton Broad. The modernisation of the traffic flow makes it a bit of an adventure to get to the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk, and the modern need for security means it is now gated too, but it is opened on demand.
A truly great venue and event despite the problems with getting to race at sea.
Worth the trip, a great welcome is assured if you mix in.
Posted: 17/05/2011 19:03:58 By: David Child |
Well it has been blown off a few times, but is a great one race event.around club marks. I think my best result was third, crewing Tom Shucksmith, but the most exciting was crewing Dave Bland, when other boats were planing over and through the breaking waves on the various sand bars. I think Dave Townsend won that year, and Jacko was also in the trophies. It is a long race and even In a blow can be over three hours...
Having had the honour of being AOD for this race on many occasions, I must admit, I would rather watch it from the committee boat, than sail it!!
Not sure of the ancient history, but, I made a special point of being there about ten years ago, when I was more in the area, and the class!
Jacko may know more history, he seems to have done it, since Adam was a child!!
It is a hard long race, but very enjoyable, and I would heartily recommend that anyone that has not tried it, should.
Plus, the fish and chips in the club afterwards, are fantastic.....
Jon Thompson
Ex Merlin Crew
Posted: 17/05/2011 21:29:31 By: Jon711 |
