EAORA 2022 round up with plans for RORC for 2023

EAORA 2022 © Claire Scott

EAORA 2022 © Claire Scott

EAORA 2022 © Claire Scott

The 2022 East Anglian Offshore Racing Association sponsored by DXB Pumps had their Prize Giving in the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Burnham on Crouch on Saturday 22nd October.

The Prize Giving had a slightly different format, without the AGM prior to the presentation, as plans for the 2023 programme are still being discussed. We at East Anglian Offshore are looking for ways to increase the numbers of yachts competing, which may include slightly different safety regulations for coastal passage races but continuing with RORC Safety requirements for races across the North Sea for the EAORA Fastnet qualifying races.

Also, within the Thames estuary there are some other racing fleets, so discussions have started to find some common ground with the other organizing authorities to see if we can all work together. This may include getting boats to Ramsgate Week of the IRC nationals, or adding an extra race from Harwich. It isn't the first time that EAORA have linked up with other organisations.

Historically, we have always been involved with two RORC races for yachts to qualify for the Fastnet. Regular RORC supporters should really consider doing the East Coast Race in June, it will be 120 miles and normally very few boats attend from the south coast, so it is a great point scorer if someone is keen for a good overall position with RORC series.

This prize-giving there was the normal array of trophies. The prestigious Blackwater Cup for the overall winner was first presented back in 1950, this year it went to Woozle Hunter a Sigma 33, it is the first time in our history that a boat has won this trophy twice but under different ownership. Well done to Philip Hammond, D Harrington-Lynn, A Pentelow & Alex Thomas. They also won Gunfleet Cup for class 3. Class One was won by Stephen Hendry from the Medway Yacht club onboard his Beneteau 40.7 Flying fish, Class two was won by Paul Scott with his Sigma 38 from Haven Port Yacht Club.

It was a successful year for Pelham and Andy Etherington onboard the other Sigma 33 Magic Moments. They won the RBYC's David Geaves Trophy (most miles within RORC, EAORA and the RBYC's Williwaw Series) also the Libya Cup (maximum points no discards) and the Star Trophy being awarded by the committee for outstanding commitment to EAORA for 2022.

Michael Wheeler with Golden Fleece made it on to the podium with a win in the WMYC's Buckley Goblets in September, and they also picked up the Colonel's Trophy for a combined result in the WMYC's Pattinson Cup and Buckley Goblets, Phil Wood onboard Golden Fleece also won the Navigators Cup again.

Chris Lynch onboard Spirit is EAORA's Cadet of the Year, he successfully completed many miles onboard Spirit and has great plans for many more in 2023.

So another year for EAORA has come to an end, but keep an eye on the website and social media as we are making some slight changes to the format for 2023.