The Thames Match has perhaps the most difficult start of the barge racing circuit for, although there is plenty of room, the ebb tide is always strong and there are few features from which skippers can gauge their speed or distance from the line.   The Coasting Class was first away at 1030, with Ardwina inching past Reminder as they crossed the line together shortly followed by Lady Daphne.   In the Staysail Class, Wyvenhoe and Repertor were just able to stem the tide above the line and to gybe round at the last moment with Wyvenhoe very smartly away 23 seconds after the gun.   

Greta took a longer run at the line but Decima, who had hung back on the Mucking flats, struggled to get into the channel and just clipped the Mucking 3 buoy, disqualifying herself.   However, she continued to sail the course and gave a good performance.   The Champion Bowsprits started last at 1100 and made a very professional job of it with Edme, Xylonite, May and Marjorie all away within two minutes.   Adieu brought up the rear at 1104

A dart run down Sea Reach was hot work for the crews, with constant changing and trimming of sails and leeboards to gain any advantage from the wind.   From time to time barges gybed or luffed each other to break the monotony as the tide carried them steadily downstream.    

Adieu had an injury aboard and had to retire to transfer the casualty.   It was clear that the course would have to be shortened and the Sea Reach 4 buoy off Southend was settled on as a turning mark to give everyone a chance to reach the mark before low water.   The tide was still running down when they reached the buoy and the wind had become light and variable, making it difficult to round the mark without losing ground.   

The Lady Daphne, which was well ahead of the fleet, got the worst of this and sagged away toward Shoebury.   The later barges held up better and stood off in a line close hauled on the port tack toward Southend pier, with Xylonite noticeably to windward, though May, Decima and Ardwina had also rounded smartly.  Most of the barges stood well on into the slacker tide and better breeze off Leigh, but Repertor and Marjorie soon tacked back toward Kent which proved to be an error.   

Greta stood in too far and encountered the steep edge of the Southend flats, but managed to get off again after a few minutes when, to everyone’s amazement, she crossed ahead of Repertor which had meanwhile been battling a foul tide in light airs.      

By mid-afternoon the breeze had settled down to a relatively steady north-westerly force 2-3 of almost tropical warmth.   At times it was too much for the largest staysails and flying jibs, and some had to be taken in.   The Xylonite’s long flying jib made the decision for them when the bobstay broke under the strain.   The crew worked feverishly to rig a repair and change to a smaller sail while continuing to race and to keep ahead of Edme; who was chasing hard astern having escaped from the pack. 

The day seemed to get better and better as the light softened towards evening and the breeze held fair to bring the barges home.   The finishing time was extended to allow as many barges as possible to complete the match and to make a show for those ashore at Gravesend, and what a sight it was as the barges surged up the reach to the finishing line under full sail!   It was a privilege to watch the spectacle.  

Jim remembered that fifty years ago he had been told that this was a sight to remember – that it would all be over in a few more years.   That it is not finished is thanks to the many crews, owners and craftsmen who, like Jim, have worked tirelessly to keep alive a tradition that they believed worthwhile and which now gives so much pleasure, skill and inspiration to another generation.

  Xylonite led the Bowsprit Class home by a convincing margin, followed by Edme, May and Marjorie.   Decima was the first staysail barge back, but because of her contact with the start line first prize went to Repertor, closely followed by Greta with Wyvenhoe in third place.   The first Coaster back was Ardwina, though the prize on handicap went to Lady Daphne who finished six minutes later.   Reminder arrived after the official close but had sailed the whole course to complete a most successful days’ sailing.

 At the match supper, held this year at the Three Daws waterfront pub, the prizes were presented by Dan Houston, editor of Classic Boat magazine.   He complimented the crews on both the appearance and handling of their barges, several of which have been featured in past issues.   The London and Rochester Trading Company Cup for Seamanship and the Goldsmith’s of Grays “Majestic” Trophy for rounding the mark were both awarded to Xylonite, master Richard Titchener, for an exemplary race.   The Gold Belt Trophy for achievement was awarded to Tim Goldsack’s Decima whose restoration and performance had been most impressive. 

Julian Cass, Officer Of the Day, 2005