Cambridge versus Oxford Varsity Matches at Aldeburgh Yacht Club
by Anthony Butler 6 Jul 2019 20:27 UTC
6-8 July 2018
Cambridge Mixed Team with their trophy at the Varsity Matches at Aldeburgh © Anthony Butler
In a very well run and enjoyable Varsity Match at Aldeburgh YC 3-5 July 2019 in Loch Longs, Cambridge retained all four Varsity Match trophies. They won the first strings match racing 4-0, the second strings match racing 3-1, the Ladies team racing 4-0, and the Mixed team racing 4-0.
The sunny weather, with a sea breeze breaking through later each day, provided a challenge for PRO Patrick Gifford. But he had the answer and provided excellent racing during all three days. On Wednesday afternoon the match racing very much went the way of Cambridge, with Oxford retrieving some honour by taking one race off the Cambridge second strings. In Thursday's team racing Cambridge Mixed, 2nd and 7th at BUSA, powered away to a 3-0 lead over Oxford. Cambridge Ladies, reversing the BUSA result, achieved a similar outcome - but the racing was very close.
The deciding races were held on Friday, and Cambridge Mixed scored another textbook victory to win 4-0. In the Ladies series, Oxford struck back and were leading Cambridge until two Oxford boats missed out the starting line in their second round and had to go back. Cambridge gratefully accepted this gift and held a comfortable winning position until the finish to win 4-0 overall.
A big thank you to Aldeburgh YC and its team of helpers and staff - including Mike Hayles, Patrick Gifford, James Meyhew, William Eddes, Robert Malchay, Umpires Bruce and Tom Hebbert, Richard Thompson, and Nigel Vick, and many others, particularly club members who loaned their boats and who provided accommodation. Also students Dave Robertson and Bethan Matthew for maintaining essential liaison with the Aldeburgh team.