Yard News

Determination and bloody mindedness pay off in this years “Cock of the Channel” race.

23 Sep 2007

Crew from RB Boat Building Ltd help a “Cochrane” win this years race.

From left to right: John R-B, Ashe R-B, John Cochrane, Ben Punter, Chris Gomersall.

Barry yacht clubs “cock of the channel” race, has for the last few years been primarily a Pilot Cutter event, though it is open to all gaff rigged boats.

John Cochrane, a direct descendant of “Britannia’s Sea Wolf” Lord Cochrane, keeps his 35ft Gaff Ketch “Rawanah” at Bristol’s underfall yard.
Although the smallest boat in the fleet he jumped at the chance to take part in the race against much larger and faster vessels which included the Bristol Channel Pilot Cutters “Mascotte”, “Peggy” and “Olga” .

In very light winds “Rowanah” was ahead of the field at the start but was gradually overhauled by the other faster boats, she then made up ground until eight hours into the race she was still very much a contender.

A race often won on strategy and speed in the fast and difficult currents of the Bristol Channel, was eventually won by determination and sheer bloody mindedness: Due to the lack of wind it came down to the vessel who refused to put her engine on after 36hours of racing.

The Old Sea Wolf would have been proud, and we were delighted to come away with the trophy!