Thames Barge Match: Pilotage skills win the day!

December 23rd, 2009 by JCB
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Saturday 13^th June saw 14 traditional barges assemble for the 79^th Thames Sailing Race (or “Match” in sailing barge terms).

PLA pilot Chris Spurling on the helm with skipper Richard Tichener

The Port of London Authority’s (PLA) involvement is crucial to the management of this annual event since much of it takes place in the main shipping channel. VTS monitoring is supplemented by VHF information updates during the Match and further support is provided with moorings and other facilities ashore. This year’s event coincided with the Centenary of the Port of London Authority and for the third year the PLA chartered the Staysail Class barge Wyvenhoe for the Match.

The Wyvenhoe was skippered by Richard Titchener and crewed entirely by PLA staff, including two PLA pilots, Chris Spurling and Dave Lloyd. Richard ensured that Dave and Chris were aft at the wheel prior to the race, not just to assist with the main and staysail sheets but also to provide invaluable, up to the minute, “local knowledge” of the tides and depths, which allowed more use of the river.

The day started dry with a light Southerly breeze. As always there was much manoeuvring of barges in the up-river end of Lower Hope Reach as the different classes of barge tried to keep clear of the start line until it was their turn. Chris and Dave provided advice as to the best place to hold station above the start line,in order to stay out of the worst of the ebb tide and consequently Wyvenhoe made a good start, crossing the start line about 90 seconds after the gun and was the only barge in its class to avoid a time penalty for prematurely crossing the line.

Having rounded the Sea Reach 4 buoy marking the outer limits of the course, the barge sailed close hauled onto the South shore (staying outside the main channel!). Although there was less depth here than to the North, the pilots’ tidal knowledge ensured sufficient under keel clearance to sail without the need for numerous tacking manoeuvres which the barges on the North (leeward) side had to undertake. This enabled the Wyvenhoe to draw ahead.

In the Lower Hope (Mucking Channel), Chris and Dave calculated how close to the shores the Wyvenhoe could run which again reduced tacking and ensured that the lead over the rest of the field was maintained.

“Steady as she goes”, PLA pilot Dave Lloyd.

A similar tactic was adopted in Gravesend Reach for the home run and at 13.31, the skipper and crew were delighted to be first over the line to win the Champion Staysail Class, followed by Repertor who carried a 15 minute penalty for her false start. The skipper and crew had all worked hard and extremely well as a team to achieve their win.

Tactics discussed as Wyvenhoe draws ahead of Repertor

Following supper at the Three Daws pub in Gravesend the prize giving was held. Michael Grey, former editor of Lloyd’s List, was on hand to present the trophies and congratulate the owners and their crews. The “Mainsheetman Trophy” for the best performance in that critical role was awarded to Keith Golding of the Wyvenhoe. Richard Titchener was awarded “Master of the First Barge Home” and he also won the trophy for “The Master Exhibiting the Best Seamanship in Rounding the Mark”.

The Thames Match had already been running for many years when the PLA started in 1909. In this centenary year the PLA’s win was a fitting outcome, and congratulations go to all those involved for playing such a great part in preserving such a valuable part of London’s maritime heritage.

Shelly Spurling

Photos: Chris Spurling’s collection