Penguin Trophy at the Royal Lymington Yacht Club
by Jane Clegg 30 Dec 2009 12:12 GMT
29 December 2009
Racing in the Royal Lymington YC Penguin Trophy © Jane Clegg
Strong winds and driving rain could not deter 24 sailors who arrived with enthusiasm to compete in the Royal Lymington Yacht Club’s annual Penguin Trophy event. Sailing Scow dinghies loaned by the Club’s Junior Sailing scheme, twelve pairs raced in two groups on a short but testing course close to the Club.
Race Officer Chris Baldwick and his team on the pontoon worked valiantly despite very cold and wet conditions, ensuring prompt starts to races, and rapid transfers as competitors changed boats between races. Onshore, competitors and helpers were revived with hot drinks and energy boosting food, while the race office team recorded results.
Keen racing produced good-natured battles between some of the Club’s most experienced sailors, including Rear Commodore Sailing, Phil Lawrence, and RORC Rating’s Technical Director, Mike Urwin, who was seen to jeopardise his own rating by sailing part of one race with a distinctly unorthodox rig! Support boats stood close by, in case of capsize, but were called upon only to assist recovery of one detached rudder.
Six pairs won through to the finals, with the top three prizes being scooped by Connie Stock and Nick Cherry (1st), Sophie Weguelin and Chris Sanders (2nd), Mike and Robbie Urwin (3rd). Connie and Nick were presented with the silver Penguin Trophy by Annie Littlejohn, a Club member for 63 years and still an active volunteer at sailing events as she approaches her 90th birthday.