VE Day at Worthing SC (A Poem for Jess and the Crew) - Chris Burke

Published 20:40 on 18 May 2025

On the eleventh day of May, not quite the date, But Worthing SC said, "Why not celebrate?

" With bunting and flags (one hoisted askew),

we honoured the past with a spirited crew.

Jess and her dad (with Dave lending a hand),

Prepared afternoon tea that was perfectly planned.

Soft cakes and sandwiches piled up with grace,

With chocolate on fingers, and crumbs on each face.

Glenn Miller played as we gathered with cheer,

Vera Lynn sang of hope that still lingers near. "Run Rabbit Run" bounced through sunlit air,

As Union Jacks fluttered with festive flair.

But out in the compound, the real prep began,

For not just one race oh no! it was a plan.

Three starts were plotted, with winds running wild,

Twenty knots strong, not exactly mild.

"Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye," Called sailors who launched 'neath a blustery sky.

The mono-hulls vanished, gone without trace,

Leaving fifteen brave cats to battle each race.

Race Officer Trevor, with course deftly laid,

Watched tacks and gybes in adrenaline's parade.

mast came down, yet spirits stayed high,

With Gilbert and Rob swapping boats on the fly.

By race number three, the wind took a nap,

The tension gave way to a gentler lap. And so we returned to our tea-filled delight,

With music and sunshine and smiles shining bright.

So cheers to Jess, for your afternoon feast,

To the sailors who battled the wind from the east,

And to Worthing SC, with humour and flair,

For a VE Day bash beyond all compare.

C.Burk