Travellers’ Trophy Race Report by Nick Bentley-Buckle

Saturday marked the inaugural leg of the Travellers’ Trophy, with competitors setting sail from Hurst Castle Yacht Club and Lymington YC. The day commenced with a brisk northwest breeze beneath ominous clouds which soon cleared to provide a thoroughly enjoyable day of sailing.

Oli Stanley charted a challenging course: a beat to Withies on port, then across to Blackwater to port, a run with the tide to round Island to port, back to North Bank to port, and finishing with Pigs to starboard, twice round.

To my astonishment, I found myself among the frontrunners. Sam Van Holthe led to Withies, followed by myself, Karl Liebat & Karen Rogers, Tim Robinson and Nick Griffin & Anne O’Connor from Hurst in close pursuit. Our race was disrupted when a large yacht, heedless of our protests, forced Sam and I to alter course. This allowed Karl Liebat & Karen Rogers to round Blackwater in the lead. By some stroke of luck I followed Karl in second place and staying clear of the tide, I slowly managed to pull ahead and round Island in the lead. However, my moment of triumph was short-lived. Attempting to capitalize on the tide, I stayed mid-river, which necessitated an extra tack, this allowed Karl & Karen to regain the lead at North Bank and on to Pigs.

The fleet dispersed on the second leg, though Nick & Anne and Tim gradually closed in on the leaders. Rounding Island just behind Karl, I charitably informed Karl that his rudder was up.  I should as kept quiet as he set off like a greyhound rounding North Bank and then onto Pigs! By then, the tide had turned, and in the hope of gaining an advantage I stayed inshore, only to see Nick & Anne from Hurst zip pass and narrowly beating Karl & Karen to the finish.

Heartfelt thanks to Oli Stanley, Gerry & Peter Marling-Roberts on the Platform and Ian Strathcarron, Charlotte Hosier, Peter Bettridge and Sophie Stanley for manning the safety boats, and to Amanda BB for her excellent tea and sandwiches.

Next Race – The Gravelly Race for the Barnes Cup and the Julian Laser Cup, Saturday, 22 June 11.00. HW 12.00

STARTING PLATFORM Gerry Marling-Roberts.

RACE OFFICER Ginna Gayner

SAFETY TEAMS Sam van Holthe, Lizzie Anders, Al Fothergill, Tim robinson,

SHORE SUPPORT Peter Bettridge and Rupert Scott

REFRESHMENTS Drinks and Picnic courtesy of Mary & Rupert Montagu-Scott, Gravelly House. RSVP mary.montaguscott@gravelly.com

SENIOR SAILING – NEEDS ORE (ages 13-25). No formal sail training this year – just come along and have fun on the water and picnic with friends. Possibly camping too!

HEXTALL TROPHY – RACE 4 Sunday 21 July 11.00 HW 11.50

RACE OFFICER Jay Devonshire

STARTING PLATFORM Oli Stanley

SAFETY BOAT Peter Bettridge and *** slot to fill***

TEA *** Slot to fill ***

Yours aye,

Victoria