Drama at the Nore Race 2025

After last year’s successful completion of the Nore Race’s short course, it was decided to enter
again this year and continue showing the flag.

June 21st dawned fine with a reasonable easterly breeze and a civilised HW of 09:06, so it was at 08:00 that the racing crew convened. Sadly, Alan Barttram was laid low with a bug, so Chris Burls skippered, ably supported by Robin Tothill (with many years of Nore Race experience) and many of this year’s Dunkirk crew. The Nore Race committee had decided that this year’s event would be over the long course of 16 miles, via the South Shoebury and Medway buoys.

The boat went out on the tide to a Ray mooring to prepare the sails and then proceeded to a position well to the west of the start line. Endeavour is not known for her ability to sail close to the wind. Nonetheless, aided by the ebb tide, she crossed the line only a minute or so after the gun.

Many of the first boats home used the easterly breeze to full advantage and were home under spinnakers within three hours. Poor Endeavour, meanwhile, was still only just approaching the first way point. The decision was made to make several long tacks out into the deep water, hoping to take advantage of the tide, only for the wind die, leaving her struggling to reach the Medway buoy on what should have been a broad reach.

Finally making the buoy four hours in, it was obvious Endeavour was never going to be able to complete the set course within the 6 hour time limit, so Endeavour decided to withdraw. Sails set goose-winged (main right out to port and large foresail poled out to starboard) she headed directly downwind for the pierhead.

The pressure off, the crew relaxed to enjoy a sunny afternoon making 2 knots through the water with cups of tea and cake to hand.

We should have guessed that this was too good to last! Although clear of the main channel, a ferry outward bound half a mile or so to the south was kicking up a bit of a swell. Taking in the pole and sheeting everything in seemed excessive for a passing wave, so we clutched our tea mugs tight and braced ourselves for a roll. Sadly, as we took the wave, a ‘crack’ was heard from above. 

After investigation a split was observed in the mast just below the gaff jaws, which we later discovered appears to have originated in a knot, an obvious weak spot in any spar. The sails were immediately struck, and we carried on home on the engine.

The mast has been taken ashore for the shipwright to measure up for a replacement. We have decided that the best course is to use the current mast as a template to create an identical replacement, meaning all of the existing fittings can be used without having to replace them too.  

The committee engaged in very robust debate seeking to balance the need to ensure authenticity against value for money and long term preservation of the boat. 

Ultimately, while there were pros and cons to every option, the decision has been taken to go ahead with a laminate mast. We will keep you informed as to progress.