Penguin Trophy at Royal Lymington Yacht Club
by Jane Clegg 30 Dec 2008 17:24 GMT
29 December 2008
Grey skies and near zero temperatures for the Penguin Trophy on the Lymington River © Sean Muskett
Grey skies and near zero temperatures did not deter 34 keen sailors who arrived at RLymYC bright and early on Monday morning to compete for the coveted Penguin Trophy.
This event is notable for bringing out good-natured family rivalry, with parents and their young competing together. Greatly welcomed too are the “senior” young – home from university for Christmas and teaming up with old friends for the day.
Racing double-handed in 8 colourful Lymington River Scows, 3 groups showed sharp sailing skills on short tight courses set by Race Officer Chris Baldwick, who was ably supported by a team of volunteer helpers on the water and on the pontoon start and finish line. Back in the Club the onshore team provided reviving food and hot drinks to fight the chill.
From the 3 groups, 8 pairs won through to the finals. In a close battle for the top 3 prizes, the Paton family emerged victorious, with Rory Paton and daughter Alexandra (7) carrying off the trophy, beating Robbie Claridge and Hannah Snellgrove by just one point. Ben Paton, sailing with Sophie Weguelin, shared 3rd place with Charlotte Lawrence and Robyn Stock.
Club Commodore Geoff Holmes was on hand to present the prizes and trophy, to complete the second of the Club’s happy post-Christmas sailing events.
Overall Results:
1st Rory and Alexandra Paton 7 pts
2nd Robbie Claridge and Hannah Snellgrove 8 pts
3rd= Charlotte Lawrence and Robyn Stock 9 pts
3rd= Ben Paton and Sophie Weguelin 9 pts
5th Tom Britz and Rob Thompson 14 pts
6th Jonny and Mel Clegg 19 pts
7th Adam and Morris Richards 20 pts
8th Sean and Ailsa Muskett 22 pts