Tremadog Bay Pop-Up Regatta
by Vicky Cox 13 Jul 2021 09:02 BST
10-11 July 2021
IRC fleet start heading out on the 'Castles' race at the Tremadog Bay Pop-Up Regatta © Peter Dunlop
The Tremadog Bay Pop up regatta, hosted by Pwllheli Sailing Club was a great success, enjoyed by both IRC racers and cruisers racing under the NHC handicap system.
The regatta was quickly organised to run over the same days as the cancelled Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta. Realising the disappointment of local skippers at the cancellation of their summer holiday, it seemed only right that the club should fill the void by providing four days of racing and some much needed summer fun.
With covid restrictions and safety still in mind, all registration, entry and documentation was processed and made available online with a WhatsApp notice board to communicate any amendments to SIs.
Courses were set using club marks and run from the Pwllheli Sailing Club Bridge by race officer, Robin Evans assisted by Eilir Jones Evans and Brian Metcalf, ensuring that mark layers and committee boats weren't needed. Apres sail refreshments were available from the Panorama bar and restaurant at Plas Heli following current guidelines of masks and table service. Entertainment, the Jack Dobson a'r band and also guitarist Kirk Ward, was enjoyed on the deck outside.
It produced a great local fleet of 18 boats with IRC racing for Class One, Class Two and NHC racing for Cruising boats.
There were three days of 'Round the Cans' races and a coastal 'Castles' race day to take in the sights of Tremadog Bay and views of both Harlech and Criccieth Castles.
Winds for the first three days were very light from the South to South-West and as a result, certainly tested the skills and perseverance of both competitors and race management. Race Officer Robin Evans did a sterling job in setting all the courses and ensuring that all races went ahead.
As rain began to fall at the end of racing, prize-giving was presented in the shelter of the great hall, with glassware for the winners of IRC and NHC and commemorative Welsh slate coasters for all competing boats. Peter Dunlop and Vicky Cox's J/109 Mojito were first in IRC class 1 and overall winners of IRC, receiving the Samedra Trophy. Dave Leathers Harley Quinn we're first in IRC 2 and 2nd overall, and Wil Batist's Only Magic we're 3rd overall and 2nd in IRC2. Steve William's Darling got 2nd in IRC 1.
NHC was won by Gavin Nicholas's Trapper T30 - Suspicious Minds, 2nd by Avril Banks's Sigma 33 - Quattro and third was taken by Peter Driver's Sigma 33 - Crud yr Awel.
The energetic racing schedule continues at Pwllheli Sailing club with regular weekend racing. Dates and start times, along with the full Pop up regatta results can be found at pwllhelisailingclub.co.uk
The next big event in Pwllheli is the Welsh IRC National Championships on the 13th to 15th August. Further details plus online entry can be found at www.ircwelshchamps.com