Why Boats Weymouth Regatta 2019
by Kathy Claydon 13 Sep 2019 00:11 NZST
7-8 September 2019
Competitors in Weymouth SC Tender Race © Ricky Bruton
Last weekend, 40 boats from along the South Coast enjoyed a hotly contested Why Boats Weymouth Yacht Regatta, joined by 15 further boats competing in the K6 Nationals. The weekend started on Friday night with the annual fancy dress tender races across the harbour and a BBQ at Weymouth Sailing Club.
There was an excellent variety of courses to keep competitors across six different classes on their toes in 10-15 knots on Saturday. Three closely fought races for each class left the results open for the last 2 races on Sunday. Competition was especially close between the 5 Grand Surprises in IRC1.
Weymouth Sailing Club hosted the daily prize-giving and provided a well-earned meal to competitors and their families, all washed down with great beers (£2 a pint!) thanks to sponsorship by Ringwood Brewery.
Sunday brought fabulous sunshine, but the light wind conditions created headaches for the Principal Race Officer, Iain Jones, as he and the fleets waited for the 180 degree change in wind direction and for it to build to 7 knots. Everyone's patience was rewarded however as he organized two further great races to complete the 5-race event.
There was a wide variety of different courses for the six classes - IRC 1, IRC 3 and IRC 4 (incl VPRS) and six Sea Cadets' RS21s and Squibs and the final races of the K6 Nationals. The regatta prize-giving was held at Royal Dorset Yacht Club and started with presentation to all crew under 18.
Many thanks were given to our main event sponsor, Why Boats brokerage, Bussells Chandlers, Kingfisher Yacht Ropes, Moatt Sails and The Customs House Café for providing such generous prizes to competitors.
Winner of the overall Regatta and of IRC1 was the very quick Happy Daize, (J112E) from the Solent, skippered by James Chalmers, closely pursued by a battle for second between Passion (Grand Surprise) and Jo 90 (J90). Happy Daize was presented, by RDYC, with the famous Churchill Cup, but as this can't leave the Club, they were also presented The Sharp Exit Trophy for best overall yacht.
A special trophy, the Kingfisher Marine Cup, was awarded for the best performance in IRC in the ROs opinion, was won by Mini Mayhem (Melges 24) skippered by Paul Craft from Teignmouth also winning IRC 3. Second place was Saskia VII (J97) Mark Bugler and Jura (J97) Jerry Thompson.
Class 4 was won by Betty, an Archambault Surprise helmed by Simon Ruddick, second Moonshadow 2 (Contessa 32) Mike Street and third Effusion (Elan 295) Mark Talbot.
The Why Boats trophy, for the highest placed boat new to the regatta, was presented to Flying Boat, Grand Surprise, skippered by Ned Winter.
Racing among the eight Squibs was hotly contested, with the first four places in each race changing. Final results: first White Magic (David Wines and Keith Davies of West Hoe SC), second Hope (Simon and Gill Vines) and third Aldebaran (Richard Frost and Peter Jackson).
White Magic was also awarded with the highest place visiting boat, the Luhrs Legend Trophy.
Competitors universally praised the excellent race management and the friendly welcoming atmosphere at all the events. Weymouth Bay's resident dolphins also showed their appreciation with some spectacular corkscrew leaps across the bow. Next year's regatta will be held again in early September, see you in 2020!
Full results and more photographs can be found on the YCW website: www.weymouthregatta.uk