Racecarmarine J/80 Justify – Windy race – gusts consistently over 30 knots on the last beat with a flash reading in a gust of 34 knots – downwind was fun! Should have stayed out for last 2 races but were confident they would not be run and we were soaked by then and thinking of the Bar – well done to those who stayed out and persisted!
Image: Justify, J80, during the Royal Southern Yacht Club September Regatta - photo © Paul Wyeth / RSrnYC
Text by Royal Southern Yacht Club - Tor Cheney 2
The Royal Southern Yacht Club hosted the fourth and finale event of the Summer Series on the 15th-17th September. It was a weekend with mixed conditions making it challenging for the sailors and race committees alike.
As well as the Summer Series finale, the Royal Southern Yacht Club's September Regatta played host to Round Five of the 31 Race Circuit, delivering a spectacular weekend of competitive sailing that truly tested the mettle of the 20 Cape 31 teams in attendance.
The weekend's racing showcased a diverse range of weather conditions, with the Cape 31's racing across Friday-Sunday and the rest of the fleet Saturday and Sunday. Friday witnessed a sunny start, accompanied by 8-12 knots of wind from the South East. The Cape 31's enjoyed a perfect 3 race day thanks to Red Group Race Officer Ian Bullock.
Saturday's forecast mirrored Friday's conditions, but upon reaching the racecourse, it became evident that the expected breeze failed to materialize. Black, White and Red Group willingly waited on the water but before long Peter Bateson and Ian Bullock made the prudent decision to bring the three fleets ashore, where they enjoyed the warm hospitality of the Royal Southern Yacht Club, complete with live music, great food, and splendid weather.
Sunday, however, brought an abrupt end to British Summer, as intense winds, thunderstorms, and lightning took centre stage. The race teams faced a daunting task of squeezing in three races amidst the unpredictable weather, but they managed to rise to the occasion across all fleets.
Black and White Group - IRC 1-3, J111, J70 and HP30
Tim Webb's Swan 45 Luna won IRC 1/P40 Class followed by Richard Powell's Rogan Josh and Rebecca Anthony on Darkwood. IRC 2 was won by Paul Newell's Arcus, second was Elaine Again and third Jalapeno 3. In the ever competitive IRC 3 Ian Handley's Banter took the win with three bullets, second was Simon Shillaker's Jambo and third Becky Walford's Brenda's J.
In the HP30 class Lucian Stone's Vendetta won with Jeremy Hill's Moral Compass coming second and Michael John Lewis's Jester in third. Louise Makin's Journey Maker won the J111 Class with Cornal Riklin's Jitterbug in second and Paul Wollmann's Frequent Flyer in third. Simon Patterson's Standfast won the J70 class.
Red Group - Cape 31
Sandy Askew's Flying Jenny won overall with the Bartholomew's Tokoloshe and Nick Phillip's Chaotic in second and third place respectively. In the corinthian division first was Lennard Van Oeveren's Dutch owned Motions, followed by Dan O'Grady's Aja and David Cummins' Flurg.
For Prize Giving, sponsors, Antigua Sailing Week, had some great prizes lined up for class winners. Ian Handley picked up the overall prize for the Regatta for his performance on Banter. The prizes were gratefully received and Club thanked their sponsors, the Course Race Officers and those who had lent their boats as Committee Vessels.
That's it for the renowned Royal Southern Summer Series 2023. Thank you to all our sponsors this season. The Overall Summer Series prizes will be awarded at the Royal Southern Yacht Club Annual Prize Giving on 11th November 2023. Everyone at the club looks forward to welcoming all of our teams back in 2024 for the next edition of the Summer Series.
For more information about the Royal Southern Yacht Club and 2024 dates please visit www.royal-southern.co.uk