Salcombe Distilling Co. Parkstone Spring Yacht Regatta
by Parkstone Yacht Club Spring Yacht Regatta 12 May 05:55 BST
7-8 May 2023
Energy (tacking) and H K-J Enigma during the Salcombe Distilling Co. Parkstone Spring Yacht Regatta © Parkstone Yacht Club Spring Yacht Regatta
The Salcombe Distilling Co. Spring Yacht Regatta was held over the Coronation Bank Holiday weekend on 7th and 8th May. Organised by Parkstone Yacht Club, with racing held in the idyllic waters of Poole Bay, the regatta attracted 21 entrants from the many yacht clubs based in Poole.
Racing was run under the IRC rating system for Class 1, with VPRS used for the other two classes. Class 3 was for yachts choosing to not use a spinnaker, as an entry route to yacht racing.
The Regatta was fortunate to have a very experienced IRC owner/skipper as PRO, Andrew Pearce of Fast 40+ "Magnum" fame. Andrew and his race team managed the diverse weather conditions superbly, providing 5 excellent races over the two days.
Day 1 produced very light winds for the first two races, with the wind gradually swinging to the left, varying from between 3 and 6 knots. The start of the third race was delayed, until the forecast new wind from the SW arrived at between 8 and 14 knots. This provided superb racing conditions in Poole Bay, with flat water, brilliant sunshine and a good, steady breeze. Smiles all round!
Sunday was less ideal, with light rain, but a good breeze from the south. Two races were held, the first being a windward/leeward course, and the second an ad-hoc course, using some of the many race marks positioned in the bay.
In Class 1, the first place honours in each race were shared between Ruthless (Sam and Sophie Pearson) and Haven KJ Enigma (Ian Braham). However with a superb port tack flyer in the 4th race, the Pearsons secured the class victory on 5 points after discard. In spite of winning the final race, Haven KJ Enigma had to settle for second on 6 points, with Energy (Trevor Annels) in third.
In Class 2, it was one of the smallest yachts in the fleet which dominated. Simon Flack's Nordic Folkboat "Stralende" is a regular winner in class events and proved competitive against larger, faster yachts in both light and windier conditions. Simon finished counting a perfect scoreline after discard, with Sonata "White Magic" (David Pipe) in second and Impala "Parallel Universe" sailed by the Schonrock Family in third.
In Class 3, it was "Wicked Wych" (Paul Sheldon) which took first, with Ed Wilton's "Who's Next" sailing 2-handed in second.
The prize-giving was very well attended, no doubt partly due to the Salcombe G&Ts provided as welcome drinks! Salcombe Distilling Co., as title sponsor, also generously provided prizes for the first 3 in each fleet, as did local chandlery Quay West, based in Parkstone Yacht Club. Other prizes were provided by Foutala Towels. Thanks to all involved, including the mark laying RIB crew, the committee boat skipper and crew, the PRO and to Parkstone Yacht Club for hosting this very well received event. So well received in fact, that a similar regatta is being discussed for September!