Welsh Harp Sailing Association Brent Regatta
by Liz Guest, Welsh Harp Sailing Club 20 Jun 22:57 PDT
15 June 2024
Brent Regatta 2024: Backdrop of Wembley Stadium © Joy Walter, Welsh Harp Sailing Club
The Welsh Harp Sailing Association (WHSA) celebrated the highly anticipated return to on-the-water activities with the successful Brent Regatta this past weekend. Hosted by Welsh Harp Sailing Club (WHSC), the event marked the end of a seven-month hiatus during which the Welsh Harp Reservoir was drained in order that essential maintenance could be carried out.
Over 50 sailors took to the water on Saturday 15th June in extremely challenging high wind conditions. Those from the home club, were joined by others from the Harp as well as some from the clubs who had generously offered a temporary home to WHSC sailors during the closure - Fishers Green Sailing Club, Broadwater Sailing Club (BSC) & King George Sailing Club. A strong sense of community has developed with these clubs and it is hoped that the foundations for long standing relationships have been laid. 7 intrepid Juniors, Fergus, Zach, Alexander, Julian, Albert & Hansel also bravely took to the water.
The safety boats were kept busy with capsizes as gust upon gust came through. The winners of the 90 minute pursuit race were Keith Street & Liz Guest (GP14) of WHSC with visitor Andy Cooney (Aero 5) of BSC second and Roger Wilson (ILCA 7) of WHSC coming third. Over 100 attended the social event run after, at which there was a real sense of celebration and long standing friends were united after a long period apart. The Mayor of Brent, Tariq Dar, attending to present the prizes making a very special day feel extra special.
All regular sailing, windsurfing and paddling activities have now resumed at the five WHSA clubs based at The Harp.
"We are delighted to be back on the water and to see such a fantastic turnout at the Brent Regatta," said event organiser and WHSC Rear Commodore, Steve Cooper. "It marks the start of our activities, and we look forward to welcoming both seasoned sailors and newcomers to the Harp."
The 7 month maintenance programme undertaken by Canal and River Trust (CRT) was very involved, complicated by the condition of the reservoir and the stringent regulations and requirements of the many interested bodies. As well as improving the infrastructure of the dam, CRT also used the works as an opportunity to invest in the future of the Harp, making environment improvements as well as creating strong foundations for ongoing relationships with all those who have an interest including a Community Roots Programme for Brent residents.
The Welsh Harp Sailing Association extends its gratitude to all participants, the Mayor, and the community for their support in making the Brent Regatta a resounding success. We invite everyone to join us in our future events and experience the joy of sailing, windsurfing and paddling at the newly improved Welsh Harp Reservoir.
For more information about our activities, membership, and upcoming events, please visit our website at www.welshharp.org.uk
Selected Results:
1st Place: Keith Street & Liz Guest (GP14) WHSC
2nd Place: Andy Cooney (Aero 5) BSC
3rd Place: Roger Wilson (ILCA 7) WHSC
WHSC sailing class winners:
ILCA 7 - Roger Wilson (WHSC)
ILCA 5 - Joe Noun (WHSC)
GP14 - Keith Street & Liz Guest (WHSC)