Hextall Trophy Race 5 Saturday 1st August 2026

  • Race Officer – Tim Robinson
  • Starter – Ginna Gayner
  • Safety – Michael Doherty and Squeezy

Course C W B C W N x2 Wind

RACE REPORT by TIM ROBINSON – Needs Ore was already hectic with Senior Sailing activities when the scow fleet assembled to spoil their party. Despite the low wind forecasts, South Westerlies had built early to a very sailable Force 4. Out on the Solent, on the first day of Cowes week, we were treated to a forest of masts and a fine display of spinnakers. In the distance a motorboat was on fire, sending dark smoke towards Portsmouth. Everyone, it seemed, was afloat and everything was going off! The Fevas disentangled themselves from the scows and headed off downriver to clear the line for what turned into a punchy start for the twelve competitors. Accompanied by a chorus of car alarms, the platform had to remind the fleet of the one-minute rule; everyone had clearly arrived in very competitive mood. Out of the commotion, Peter MR with Elspeth got a great start. The scows stayed tightly packed as they zig-zagged up river. It was at this point the marks themselves started to make added complications. Buoys will be buoys; Club was laid further up river, Fiddlers was retrieved from the mud before the race, Blackwater was AWOL and North Bank had decided to disappear, despite being clearly in place before the start. Things, therefore, became an initiative test as the fleet improvised alternative turning marks. Mike and Squeezy, kindly running the safety boat, whizzed up and down the river to manage any confusion. As they crossed the line for the first time, John and Lindy had established a lead, as they went in search of the now invisible North Bank mark. Despite being pushed hard by Karl and Zoe they defended their lead and eventually finished first.  Charles took third place, Victoria and Mary, the power duo sailing together, were fourth. In an impressive fifth place came Hannah Peters in her first ever race with the club! All in all, an eventful afternoon in a warm breeze and sparkling sunshine. Thanks to Mike and Squeezy (safety), Ginna (Starting).

  1. – 599 John and Lindy Morgan
  2. – 421 Karl and Zoe Liebat
  3. – 493 Charles Nicholson and crew
  4. – 510 Victoria B-C and Mary MS
  5. – Hannah Peters
  6. – 358 Andrew Duncan
  7. – 499 Sam Van Holthe
  8. – Peter M-R and Elspeth Champion
  9. – Ed Butler
  10. – Darren Firth

R – Red Johnson and Lizzie Anders