Portsmouth Regatta 2016
by Russell Peace 5 Oct 2016 03:56 NZDT
24 September 2016
Squib Class towards Spinnaker Tower at the Portsmouth Regatta 2016 © Russell Peace
The recently re-established Portsmouth Regatta took place on Saturday 24 September, it was a day of warm southerlies gusting force 5-6, seas moderate to rough. Perfect conditions for the IRC yachts but testing for the day boats. In the event the day boats, particularly Squibs and Victory's, raced within the harbour.
All three IRC classes, drawn from around the Solent, enjoyed exciting racing on courses laid on the spit off Spit Bank Fort. The first race was a windward leeward course and after a clean start for Classes 1 and 2 the J109, Jolly Jack Tar helmed by Joe Henry, the J111, Kestrel, sailed by Simon Bamford and the Corby 33, No Retreat helmed by David Riley had a close fought race on the water around the three 2.2 mile laps all finishing within 2 minutes of each other with John Donnelly's HOD35 White Cloud not far behind, finishing third on corrected time behind No Retreat and winner Jolly Jack Tar.
Race 2 was a Round the Cans with a laid mark first beat. A mixture of points of sailing in a settling breeze. The IOW car ferry kindly waited for boats to pass ahead by the forts, there were interesting spinnaker issues on one or two boats.
"We had some very hard duels and close finishes, a very successful day" commented Regatta chief coordinator Adrian Saunders.
The day boats had strong consistent winds in the harbour making for very fast course times. The Squibs especially, with their distinctive red sails making a real impact for spectators.
Some 90 competitors attended the prize giving at Hornet Services Sailing Club. Regatta sponsors including Saulet Townsend Solicitors, Camber Wines, Kemp Sails, Youboat Chandlers, Haslar Marina and DPFX Printers ensured excellent prizes. Robin Townsend of Saulet Townsend presented the prizes: he is seen presenting the first prize in the Club Class to Mark Glyde of yacht Argo.
John Gillard of the Portsmouth Sail Training Trust thanked the Regatta team for supporting their charity.
Regatta Chairman Miles Linington presided at the prize giving. He closed by promising a bigger and better Portsmouth Regatta in 2017 celebrating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Naval Club.
IRC 1-2 results:
1st Jolly Jack Tar RNSA, Joe Henry
2nd No Retreat, David Riley
3rd Kestrel, Simon Bamford
IRC 3-4 results:
1st Tinker T, Kit Buck
2nd Muscadet, De Havelet Ben Price
3rd Crazy Horse, Derek Budden
Club Class results:
1st Argo, Mark Glyde
2nd One More Knot, Phil Duff
3rd Easy Tiger, Chris Fife-Schaw
Squib Class results:
1st Aquabat, Steve Warren-Smith
2nd Buccaneer, Samuel Prime
3rd Florence, Shaun Hopkins
Victory Class results:
1st Z54, Geoff Dixon
2nd Z73, Jim Page