International 14 Royal Bermuda YC Trophy
by Rob Strucket 3 Jul 06:33 BST
25 June 2023
International 14 Royal Bermuda YC Trophy © Caroline Gosford & Notty
The International 14 Royal Bermuda YC trophy is traditionally a one-day event held out in Bracklesham or Hayling Bay. Its timing this year was perfect, offering teams some practice out of the harbour before the Prince of Wales Cup to be held on the same waters in mid July.
The sun was out and breeze was a perfect 15-17 knots from the south west. Due to the gradient wind direction the sea state was a little bumpy, which meant that only 5 boats persevered into Race 1. It was Glen Truswell and Ed Fitzgerald who got off to the fastest start, heading out right and riding a favourable shift into the windward mark. Andy Shaw and Rob Struckett won the left hand side ahead of Archie Massey and Harvey Hillary. After some questionable lay line calls on the run (distracted by the waves?) things were tight by the leeward mark and so Andy & Rob were able to reel Glen & Ed up the next beat by tacking onto the lay line first.
Next up, a triangle. On the top reach Glen & Ed were able to soak a little lower and Andy & Rob had to fight hard to get the cross in at the gybe mark. Clearly thrilled at having just about done so, Andy & Rob chose to go under instead of over next wave... Giving Glen & Ed front row seats to an elegant dismount. Glen & Ed powered ahead for the win and Archie & Harvey took advantage to take second. Huge shout out to Douglas Pattison and Tash Gladman for keeping the mast up in the air and persevering all the way round despite holding "slightly" fewer pounds than the other teams. They even sneaked into third for a while in race 1.
Race 2 was more of the same - bumpy seas and at one point the wind sneaking above 20 knots. Just four boats remained after Archie and Harvey called it a day citing various excuses... After two windward leewards the fleet raced into the harbour for a Gallon Line finish. Despite apparently being connected by a bungee, Rob & Andy managed to hold off Glen & Ed all the way round and took the win. Overall, though, Glen & Ed's consistency won the day, putting them in a strong position going into PoW in a couple of weeks. They'll be feeling the pressure I'd imagine.