On Saturday 31 May, one scout, two pupils, two members of staff, seven scout leaders and at least nine ONs crossed the start line of the Norfolk Broads Three Rivers Race, the world’s toughest inland waterway sailing competition. 

Covering just over fifty miles the competitors have only twenty-four hours to navigate, not only the Rivers Ant, Bure and Thurne, but also to pass under three bridges by lowering then raising their masts. To add to the difficulties the sailors need to factor in the rising and falling tides and contend with variable wind speed and direction. And sometimes, no wind at all! 

Representing our youth, Ralph Leftley (scout and NS) and Ed Brightwell (NS) crewed a Wayfarer and came in in 14 and ¾ hrs (adjusted for handicap) putting them in a hugely respectable 28th place. 

The pupil has now become the master with Mr Elliott (staff) and his crew taking a further four hours to get round. 

Mr Gent (staff, scout leader and ON) won the prize for helming the biggest boat of the race, ‘America’ crewed by ONs while Ali Sims (scout leader and ON) in his Rebel with another ON returned in ten minutes short of fifteen hours in an impressive thirtieth place.

Natalie Chalk and Ben Pond (scout leaders and ONs) were forced to retire after a very promising start.

With the rich heritage of sailing in Norfolk it is very rewarding to see that the efforts put in by the school’s sailing programme and the opportunities presented at scouts, both to start sailing and to extend the adventure over camps and weekends continue to bear fruit on a wider stage.

If you would like to know more about the opportunities that sailing with the 8th Norwich Sea Scouts offers, please click here!

I must pass on my congratulations to all who took part. It is a tough gig, sitting in a boat for hours without any creature comforts and speaks to the 8ths motto of ‘Ignite the spirit of adventure’.

To celebrate their achievements, we caught up with Ralph and Ed to ask them about the race...

Why did you want to take part in the three rivers race?

Ralph - "I’ve always wanted to do the three rivers as my parents have talked about it before, I like a challenge and sailing so have been looking forward to it for a few years now."

Ed - "In terms of Broads sailing racing the 3RR is as big and well known as it gets, which added to the appeal for me. Also, I am unlikely to be able to do it next year because of ALevels, so it was now or never!"

What was the preparation like?

Ralph - "We tried to practice most weekends before the race when we could, to ensure we were familiar with the boat, controls and spinnaker, and practicing the crucial mast drops to get under the three bridges both ways."

How did the race go?

Ralph - "We came 28th out of 119 entries, which was a lot better than I’d hoped. We had planned our tactics well and stuck to it, so I was pleased that it had turned out well."

Ed - "Overall it went very well! I chalk this up to Ralph’s excellent planning meaning we were (as much as possible) in favourable tide and wind conditions. Overall we finished in 17 hours and 20 minutes on the water (without handicap) so it was a bit of a mission, but it certainly exceeded my expectations." 

Have you done anything like this before?

Ralph - "Not of this scale, I have had extensive experience sailing the rivers but not at night, so it was a new experience for me."

Ed - "In training for the event we did a much shorter river race, aside from that my sailing racing experience is in the very different fields of fleet and team racing. "

Would you do it again?

Ralph - "Definitely! I am hoping to do it next year if I can factor it in with A-Levels."

Ed - "Yes! A levels are looming for next year but I’m strongly considering coming down for the weekend to race in (hopefully) my first year of uni."

What was the most challenging part?

Ralph - "In the evening at around 9pm the wind died so we were reliant on tide. There was one point where I thought the tide would change and work against us, however fortunately we made it to the turning point before we lost the tide."

Ed - "Going under acle bridge in the early hours of the morning was unforgettable for mostly scary reasons. Very low light, high traffic and gusty inconsistent winds was not a fun combo to cope with."

How long have you been sailing?

Ralph -  "Ever since I can remember, really, through scouts and on my own, however it became a big thing for me shortly after lockdown as I became involved in school sailing."

Ed - "Roughly 10 years now."

What are your future aspirations for sailing?

Ralph - "Other than more three rivers races, I plan to continue sailing my Laser around east anglia and cruising with my family. I’m also Captain of the Senior Sailing Team at Norwich School so I am looking forward to the final events of this year and all of next year before I leave school. My next long distance sail is the Great Punt Run on Friday 20 June!"

Ed - "University sailing looks like the logical next step, after next years school season!"