Hextall Trophy Race 2 Sunday 28th June

  • Race Officer: Andrew Duncan
  • Race Officer Assistant (and potential Starter extraordinaire?): Charles Nicholson
  • Safety Boat: Bill Vance & Nigel Bolton
  • Refreshments: Nicola Bolton (undoubtedly the most crucial role of the day)
  1. John and Lindy Morgan
  2. Karl & Zoey Liebat
  3. Victoria BC and Lucy Markby
  4. Sam van Holthe
  5. Mike Dogherty
  6. Miranda Knowles
  7. Red and Cleo Johnson.
    • Peter HB retd; Bill OY retd

Race Report by Zoey Liebat This week’s Scow Hexall Trophy Race 2 took the fleet on a proper expedition, with a long course stretching out towards Lepe and well beyond the comfort of the river. A fresh south westerly greeted the fleet, and from there it was full-on hiking, spray, and the occasional quiet prayer for survival. Once out of the shelter of the river, the wind really got hold of things, drenched everyone in short order, and made it feel very much like goggles would have been a sensible bit of kit. The long beat towards Lepe soon spread the fleet across the course, with plenty of opportunities to gain or lose a few places depending on which side of the course looked most inviting. As ever, everyone was convinced they’d found the best breeze… until someone on the other side suddenly appeared in front.

    John and Lindy Morgan settled into the race early and sailed a superb course to take the win. Behind them, Karl and Zoey Liebat enjoyed another consistent race to finish second, while Victoria Bonham Carter and Lucy Markby sailed well throughout to secure third place. Further back, Sam van Holthe put together a solid race for fourth, with Mike Doherty and Miranda Knowles enjoying a close contest as they worked their way around the course. There were plenty of place changes throughout the fleet as the breeze ebbed and flowed, making for some excellent racing all afternoon. The biggest splash of the day belonged to Red and Cleo Johnson, who provided the fleet with the only capsize of the afternoon. Thankfully, the safety boat was on hand and boat and crew were soon back upright and racing again. It certainly woke everyone up, if they weren’t awake already!

    Peter HB and Bill OY both retired before the finish, perhaps deciding that tea and cake were a better option than battling on to the end. The biggest splash of the day belonged to Red and Cleo Johnson, who provided the fleet with the only capsize of the afternoon. Thankfully, the safety boat was on hand and boat and crew were soon back upright and racing again. It certainly woke everyone up, if they weren’t awake already!

    An amazing afternoon’s Scow racing, with sunshine, a proper breeze, an excellent course, and huge thanks to all the volunteers who made this race happen.