SAILINGROYAL SOLENT YC
A RECORD entry, up 20 per cent, attended this year’s Taittinger-sponsored club regatta, which featured two days of racing for 150 keelboats and dayboats off Yarmouth.
The racing fleet was split into the white group, which included 6m boats, Dragons, Folkboats , XODs and YOD, and the black group, which included IRC 1, IRC 2, Swan classic class, classic cruisers and, for the first time, a class specifically for Old Gaffers.
On Saturday, there were two general recalls in the IRC 2 while there was a black flag for the XOD division after a false start by all 32 boats.
Despite the lack of a strong breeze in the mid-afternoon, all yachts finished within the time limit.
Sunday’s competition was just as intense but unlike the first day the breeze held and all classes finished racing in good time.
The overall winner was Jeremy Austin, whose Folkboat Tak had a 1-1-1-3 scorecard.
At the prize giving, rear commodore Dick Dawson thanked the entrants, club staff, volunteers and sponsors who made the event a success.
The major social event of the weekend was a fundraising evening at John Caulcutt’s waterfront property, in aid of Prostate UK.
GURNARD SC
All classes, except the Picos, were sent to the mainland shore on Wednesday evening. However, many were unable to finish as the wind died.
The Shadows were least affected, with Robin Leather winning ahead of Laurie Gustar. Mark Harrison was the only finisher in the medium group. In the Pico, Harry Blowers took line honours ahead of Ella Symons.
There was a much fresher breeze on Sunday. In the cats, Paul Tanner’s experimental Shadow won by a distance, with Mike Martin earning second ahead of Leather and Gustar.
Graham Deegan won the RS400s ahead of James Downer and Chris Symons, while Keith Hayden won the fast group.
Harrison was first in the medium group, while Georgia Caws won the final group, where there was a dead heat for second place between Derek Ness and Ed Conder.
BEMBRIDGE SC
The annual Bembridge versus Sea View race on Monday went again to Sea View, but not without a fight.
The annual regatta on Friday and Saturday was well supported with challenging winds for the dinghy fleets, as well as the race officers and safety boats.
Almost no breeze on Saturday meant shortened courses were the order of the day.
The winners were as follows: Darings — Richard Acland (Friday), Charles Perry (Saturday). Redwings — Joe Robertson (Friday), Dominic Samuelson (Saturday). Seaview Mermaids — Richard Taylor (Friday), no starters Saturday. One-Designs — John H. Hamond (Friday), James Row (Saturday). Squibs — Martin Harrison (Friday), Tim Farquhar (Saturday). Optimists — Leonora Hobbs (Friday), Sam Rice (Saturday). Scows — Barry Dyer (Friday), John Cleave (Saturday). Slow Handicap — no starters Friday, Ophelia Knight (Saturday). Lasers — Nick Haynes (Friday), Jack Daniel (Saturday). Fast Handicap — Poppy Daniel (Friday), Poppy Daniel (Saturday).
Meanwhile, there were larger than normal Oppy 3 and Cadet Week 2 courses.
Well done to all the instructors who helped make both courses such a success
The following won trophies: Mackinnon Quiach (handicap racing) — Jos Laughton-Scott. Captain’s Compass (effort and enthusiasm) — Xan Coptcoat. Tucknott Trophy (most improved) — Bea Jervis. Curling Cup (most improved Oppy 3) — Rosie Bennett. Portland Trophy (Oppy racing during the week including regattas) — Archie Goodwin. Watt Prize (best kept Oppy during Oppy 3) — Xander MacInnes.
ISLAND SC
In the penultimate race of the 18-race Tuesday evening series, 50 boats came to the line with a dying South-westerly wind and a monstrous ebb tide.
Courses were shortened to allow the sailors a full dinner afterwards.
Results, fast handicap: 1 Jet, 2 P42, 3 Fandango.
Medium handicap: 1 Connie, 2 Moo, 3 Mandarin.
Sonars: 1 Dolphin, 2 Jenny M, 3 Hibiscus.
Slow handicap: 1 OTB, 2 Twilight, 3 Xantz.
XOD: 1 Rachel, 2 Curlew, 3 Waxwing.
Flying fifteen: 1 Sea Jay, 2 Fifty Fifty.
Laser SB3: 1 Pelican Racing 001, 2 Pelican Racing 002, 3 Pelican Racing 010.