Scow Challenge Cup Race 4 – Saturday 2nd May 2026
Course:- Ds As Ps Cs Ds Wind: Force:- 1 SE
- Race Officer: Red Johnson
- Race Starter: Ginna Gayner
- Assistant Race Starter: Gerry Marling-Roberts
- Safety: Lucy Markby and Nick Bentley-Buckle
- Refreshments: Karl and Lila Liebat
- Shore Support: Sophie Stanley
On Saturday morning, Karl’s earlier email title of ‘A Zephyr of Hope’ looked optimistic with hardly a
breath of wind. Red, as Race Officer, had to make a tricky decision, wisely deciding not to cancel the
racing, setting a short-ish loop, downstream to D first, upstream to A (close to Beaulieu), then back
to D, via P and C.
The fleet gathered at the far end of the line for the start, with enough wind –just about – to get us
away. With numerous holes in the wind, the fleet quickly spread out, with Karl+Zoe showing great
skill building a solid lead down the long downwind leg to Beaulieu, choosing the right distance to
stay off the shoreline and pulling away from me doing everything to move out of the ‘report-writing’
second slot. In the peloton places changed constantly as the wind came and went.
The course has been altered just before the briefing, catching out Karl+Zoe. With me falling into a
hole, Simon+Barbar picked their way through the calms to build a commanding lead. The pursing
fleet continued to swap places, with John + Lindy, Mike and Tim all taking turns to occupy the third
podium position, but none of us threatened Simon+Barbar’s lead and subsequent win.
With the wind building a smidgeon, Red gave us a second start (much appreciated), round the same
course. This time Karl+Zoe made no mistakes, Simon (even without Barbar) sailed excellently again,
Darren Firth got himself into the leading bunch and we all had a thoroughly enjoyable race. With an
honorable mention to Cleo Johnson, sailing solo and putting in an admirable performance in both
races.
Perhaps the large turnout was not totally unconnected with the promise of a trip to Lila and Karl’s
splendid new home, where we were met with a truly fabulous spread in equally fabulous
surroundings. A huge thank you from all of us hardly seems adequate!
And big thanks to the volunteers, led by Red and assisted by Gina, Nick BB, Lucy, Sophie S and June
for the smooth running of a lovely day.
Report by Charles Nicholson – see photos
- 320 Simon Shaw and Barbar
- 493 Charles Nicholson
- 575 Mike Doherty
- 599 John Morgan
- 565 Tim Robinson
- 497 Peter Marling-Roberts
- 600 Mary Scott
- 550 Lizzie Anders and Nimesh Patel
- 567 Rupert Scott
- 499 Sam van Holthe
- 589 Cleo Johnson
- 421 Karl Liebat
- 598 Darren Firth
- 252 Simon Gibb
- 421 Karl Liebat
- 320 Simon and Barbar Shaw
- 493 Charles Nicholson
- 599 John Morgan
- 598 Darren Firth
- 565 Tim Robinson
- 600 Mary Scott
- 565 Mike Doherty
- 497 Peter Marling-Roberts
- 589 Cleo Johnson
- 550 Lizzie Anders and Nimesh Patel
- 457 Rupert Scott
- 499 Sam van Holthe
- 252 Simon Gibb – RETIRED