Royal Thames Yacht Club first team to enter Royal Lymington Cup
by Shireen Crowe 2 Feb 2016 11:59 GMT
16-17 July 2016
The Royal Thames Yacht Club in Knightsbridge, London, is the first club to enter a team for the 2016 Royal Lymington Cup - a two boat IRC inter-club team racing championship hosted by the Royal Lymington Yacht Club (RLymYC) to be held in Christchurch Bay on July 16-17, 2016. See rlymyc.org.uk/RoyalLymingtonCup.aspx
Competing for the Royal Thames Yacht Club, one of the most respected yacht clubs in the world, will be Peter Morton owner of JND35 Salvo - 2015 winner of both the IRC National Championships and Cowes Week Class 3 with team mate David Franks winner of Cowes Week 2015 Class 4 in his JPK 10.10, Strait Dealer.
Commenting on their team entry Franks and Morton said: "The historic significance of the Cup will provide an exhilarating challenge and a real draw for novice and experienced sailors. We're expecting and looking forward to a tough challenge on the water to achieve a win for the Royal Thames."
"This is an iconic trophy and I know David Franks and Peter Morton expect to be up against some strong opposition to secure our Club's name on the trophy," said Richard Ambler, Chief Sailing Officer, Royal Thames Yacht Club.
Adam Gosling owner of Corby 36, Yes! is understood to be keen to enter a team on behalf of the Royal Yacht Squadron.
For the first time in the Cup's history it will be the winning Club whose name is engraved on the Cup rather than the winning Helm - sitting alongside the names of some of the world's most famous sailors who won it when the Cup was presented for the match racing series run for many years by the RLymYC.
Two yachts within the IRC rating band of 0.95 to 1.10 TCF may enter provided the nominated skippers are full members of the same club. The RLymYC is encouraging multiple entries from clubs.
Strait Dealer and Salvo will bring a level of competition that will provide a tough challenge to all teams, and make the event a premier regatta sailed in the open waters of Christchurch Bay," said Stuart Duffin, Rear Commodore Sailing, RLymYC. Continued Duffin: "This event will enhance Lymington's reputation for top level competitive cruiser racing."
Clubs on the South and East Coast plus Ireland, Channel Islands and Northern France have all indicated a keen interest to enter teams. An Australian Club has also been looking to charter yachts suitable to enter Royal Lymington Cup.