Dyer Cup at Blackwater Sailing Club

Marnie Aers and Ellie Shelter win the Dyer Cup at Blackwater SC, presented by Peter Wilson © Kate Stewart

On Sunday 7th October a cool force 3-4 NNW wind and autumn sunshine greeted the 39 dinghies and cruisers competing at Blackwater Sailing Club in their last all-in race of the season, the Dyer Cup. A short Dyer cup course was set for younger cadets in Toppers and Optimists.

For the main fleet the Race Officer set a long line extending south from Osea Road and achieved a remarkably orderly start for the down wind broad reach port tack start. The committee boat end was very busy, but others opted for a clear wind start towards Osea. Spinnakers quickly appeared allowing the faster boats to pull clear of the closel- bunched slower boats. A gybe around Doctor and then a close fetch to South Doubles and hard on the wind to Hilly Pool. Bear away for a run down to Nipper and then a final gybe for the beat back to the club line.

The first boat home was a Spitfire in 39 minutes, but a brilliantly sailed race by cadets Marnie Aers and Ellie Shelter in their RS Feva gave them an impressive victory over some of the club's finest helms. Second, and winning the Fendick Cup was Terry Crook in a Blaze. This was a very closely contested race with only four minutes on corrected time between the first 21 boats. This wasn't a day for the cruisers though, first home was Breezy in 30th place overall but winning the Copsey Cup for first cruiser.

It was particularly fitting that the prizes were presented by 90 year old Peter Wilson, our oldest honorary cadet who had made a special trip to the club for the event.

Short course results:

1st Jessica Taylor – Topper
2nd Stanley Johnson – Optimist
3rd Jess Welch – Optimist

Dyer Cup (long course) results:

1st Marnie Aers and Ellie Shelter – RS Feva
2nd Terry Crook – Blaze (Fendick Cup)
3rd Phil Newman and Lester Apthorp – K6

Full results: Long course, short course