Summer Series – Scow Hextell Trophy Race 3 Report

Saturday 28 June 2025

A brisk south-westerly Force 5, with gusts topping 26 knots, provided a proper test for the eleven scows that came to the start line on Saturday. It was a day for reefing, heavy weather crews, and hanging on tight! The conditions made for some exhilarating, if challenging, racing.

Our Race Officer, Ginna Gayner, set a course of W(port), B(starboard), N(starboard), P(starboard), to be sailed twice around. With the wind from the southwest, the fleet got away cleanly at 2.00 pm for a fast and furious race that tested everyone’s boat handling and resilience.

A huge congratulations to Pippa and Martin Sellars in Scow 561, who gave a masterclass in heavy-weather sailing to take the win, crossing the finish line in just under 40 minutes. They were followed by the very impressive duo of Zoey and Karl Liebat in 421, who battled hard to secure a well-deserved second place. Rounding out the podium were Victoria and Edward Bonham Carter in 510, who sailed a terrific race to finish third.

It was tough going out there, and commiserations to those who were disqualified (missing a mark or rounding a mark in the wrong direction) or had to retire – we’ve all been there, and we look forward to seeing you back on the water next time.

Race Results:

  1. 561 – Pippa and Martin Sellars
  2. 421 – Zoey and Karl Liebat
  3. 510 – Victoria and Edward Bonham Carter
  4. 599 – John Morgan
  5. 589 – Cleo and Red Johnson
  6. 358 – Andrew Duncan
  7. 588 – Peter Hayward Broomfield
  8. 212 – Oliver and Mike Crockett
  • 449 – Ben Savage (Disqualified)
  • 499 – Sam van Holthe (Disqualified)
  • 598 – Darren Firth (Retired)

A Very Big Thank You

Races like these simply cannot happen without our wonderful team of volunteers. A massive thank you to:

  • Race Officer: Ginna Gayner
  • Race Starter: Gerry Marling Roberts
  • Safety Boat: Tim Robinson and Sophie Smith (who were certainly kept on their toes with moving marks and the high winds!)

And a very special thank you to the Royal Southampton Yacht Club for a beautiful post race setting to enjoy a few post race drinks and refreshments.

Well done to everyone who took part.

Race 4 in the Hextell trophy series is scheduled for 12 July at 10:30.  In a change of our previously posted schedule, we have rescheduled the Gravely House race to start immediately after Race 4 (~11:15).  We need additional volunteers for both of these races (especially safety boat drivers and crew).  Please sign up here – 

Also to note, 26 July, will now be a social sail and picnic for anyone interested.

See you on the water soon,

Captain, Beaulieu River Sailing Club