Hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club, The Salcombe Gin July Regatta was held in sizzling heat in the Solent.
Despite light airs, Principal Race Officer Tanya Robinson and Course Race Officers Charlie Stowe and Tom Rusbridge, provided two days of racing for the fleet, assisted by Royal Southern Volunteers. It was thirsty work, and after racing, sailors enjoyed the full hospitality of the Royal Southern Clubhouse on the banks of the Hamble River. The daily prize givings were well attended, with a generous helping of superb cocktails and prizes from regatta sponsor Salcombe Gin.
IRC One
Cowes resident James Howells was at the helm of his Cape 31 Gelert to win the performance IRC One Class but only on countback. James Cooper’s Cape 31 Fanatic was leading the class going into the last race, but Gelert’s race win secured the regatta win by the narrowest of margins. Stevie Becket’s Mills 40 Cobra scored a win in Race Two and completed the podium.
“I am really enjoying racing in the Cape 31 Class, and this has been a great regatta” smiled Gelert’s James Howells. “It has taken us a little while to get the hang of the boat, and it’s very different for me as I have raced symmetrical set up boat such as Etchells for the last 20 years. It does take a good team to get around the course and we are loving it and looking forward to Cowes Week next.”
HP30 Class
In the ten strong HP30 Class Chris Townsend’s Farr 280 Gweilo from the RORC scored two race wins to take the class victory, by just two points from Jamie Rankin’s Farr 280 Pandemonium. Alain Waha’s GoWest – COGITAL was the top scoring Fareast 28 and finished third in the HP30 ranking, but only on countback. Mike Lewis’ Lutra 30 Jester scored a third in the final race but had to settle for fourth for the class.
IRC Two
Rosie Berry’s J/109 Jenie from the Hailing Island Sailing Club won the class. Jenie only took the class lead in the final race with a second bullet. Mike Bridges JPK 1010 Elaine Again was second but only on countback. Kevin Taylor’s J/99 Jump 2 it was third, scoring all-podium race finishes.
IRC Three
Catrina Southworth’s Quarter Tonner Protis, from the Hamble River Sailing Club won every race to dominate IRC Three. Ian Handley & Tim James’ Mustang 30 Banter scored all-podium races to finish a solid second. Becky Walford’s J/92s Brenda’s J was third.
“Superb weather, great fun ashore, the only thing missing for Protis was Led (Pritchard) who is celebrating a big birthday at Cork Week, but not his 300th like the Royal Cork!” laughed Ian Southworth, helm on Protis. “Apart from Led, we have put the Protis band back together, and we are looking forward to racing at Cowes Week and beyond!”
J/111 One-Design
The J/111 results are provisional with an outstanding protest. Paul Griffiths’ Jagerbomb scored two race victories to claim the class win from Cornel Riklin’s Jitterbug. Dirk & Dianne van Beek Sabriel scored all podium results to finish third.
“The contrast between last weekend’s J-Cup which was windy, and the Salcombe Gin Regatta, which was light airs was fantastic. Understanding the change of modes and having to sail the boat a different way was challenging but really great. The beauty of a J/111 is that the design is relatively fast in light and heavy air. You have to learn how to get the best performance, and it is probably more of a challenge in light breeze.”
J/70 One-design
Paul Ward’s Eat Sleep J Repeat from the Royal Southern Yacht Club scored seven race wins in the J/70 UK Sprint Series to dominate the class. Graham Clapp’s Jeepster scored eight podium results to secure second. Class newcomers, Paul Barnett’s Panther, scored six podium finishes, including a race win to finish the regatta in third.
Full results for the RSrnYC Salcombe Gin July Regatta https://yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=14995
The final regatta for the 2022 Royal Southern Summer Series will be the Land Union September Regatta held over the weekend of 24 – 25 September. Regatta sponsor Land Union will be supporting the regatta with terrific prizes and hosting superb social events at the Royal Southern Clubhouse.
Royal Southern YC Rear Commodore Sailing, Paul Ward announced an outstanding prize for the overall winner of all the classes at the Land Union September Regatta: “Antigua Sailing Week have confirmed that with the generous support of the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, teams at the Land Union September Regatta will have the opportunity to win an adventure of a lifetime; an expenses paid trip to the 2023 edition of Antigua Sailing Week with flights and a bareboat charter.”
To enter the Land Union September Regatta: https://yachtscoring.com/event_registration_email.cfm?eid=14996
Report Louay Habib/RSrnYC
