Hands on with Hyde at Skandia Cowes Week
by Paul Austin & Robert Parker 17 Aug 2006 14:41 BST
Paul Austin of Hyde Sails was sail trimmer on ‘First Challenger’ a Beneteau 40.7 owned by Gareth Williams, who has been a Hyde customer for several years. The boat was chartered by Beechwood Homes for the 180th Cowes Week crewed by a combination of professional sailors and guests. The wind was predominantly a moderate to breezy North Westerly with very light airs on the last two days. Paul comments:
‘Despite several windy days the conditions varied enough that we used all the sails on board. The crew certainly learnt a lot about changing sails and how to get the best performance from the boat.’
The crew, who had never sailed together, managed to bring home a 5th place on the first day. The team then started to gel and performance improved as the week went on producing a 3rd place on Wednesday. There were a few tight maneuvers on the start line and some tricky mark roundings but ‘First Challenger’ finished 6th overall in a fleet of 20. This year saw the largest number of entries ever with over 1000 boats racing so like many skippers, Gareth Williams, was delighted his boat was still in one piece by the end of the week.
Paul Austin adds:
‘Bob Parker, Managing Director of Beechwood Homes really got into the spirit of sailing and is now a first class grinder. I think the words ‘Grind Bob Grind’ will stay with him for many months!’
It was the first time that Bob had taken part in regatta like Cowes and he too was delighted with the outcome commenting:
‘I was so pleased with our result it exceeded all expectations. It was a marvelous experience and the crew really pulled together. Absolutely brilliant!’
The most memorable day for Bob was Wednesday when ‘First Challenger’ got third place. It was an exhilarating finish beating Amey Love Shack by a whisker on the finish line. A real adrenalin rush. Another exciting moment included rounding a buoy and heading straight towards KPMG’s boat but luckily no contact made as well as a first ‘Chinese jibe’. To experienced sailors such events are all part of a day’s racing but for novices quite an adventure.
The Beechwood crew loved the experience so much that they are already looking forward to entering next year.
Without a doubt everyone enjoyed a great week and discussions are underway for chartering ‘First Challenger’ for next year’s Cowes Week.
Cowes Week 2006 Results:
Beneteau 40.7 Class:
‘Playing Around’ – P. Robson 5th place
‘Beechwood Homes’ – R. Parker 6th place
Class 3 IRC:
‘Playing Around’ Beneteau 40.7 - P. Robson 6th place
‘Beechwood Homes’ Beneteau 40.7- R. Parker 7th place
Sonar Class:
‘ASBO!’ – Duncan Bates 2nd place
National Squib Class:
‘Easy’ – Dave White 2nd place
J/92 Class:
‘Neilson Redeye’ – Pip & Pete Tyler 2nd place
J/105 Class:
‘Jet’ – James Owen 2nd place
J/109 Class:
‘Jahmali’ – Mike Wallis 5th place
J/Sprit Class:
‘Jet’ J/105 – James Owen 3rd place
‘Neilson Redeye’ J92 – Pip & Pete Tyler 5th place
X One Design Class:
‘Felix’ – P. Taylor 5th place
‘Chartreuse’ – C. McKinnon 7th place
More Information: