International One Metre (IOM) Eastern District Team Event at Norwich Model Yacht Club

The Eastern District Team Event held on 27th April 2025 at the Norwich Model Yacht Club (NMYC) proved to be a fantastic day of competitive radio sailing, with eighteen skippers from six clubs across the region battling it out in a lively series of races.

Six teams of three so a single fleet of 18 skippers were greeted by PRO Vinnie Zammit, who welcomed the skippers and explained how the day would be run, Vinnie also introduced he race team for the day, which consisted of volunteers from Norwich MYC, for which thanks was given.

International One Metre (IOM) Eastern District Team Event at Norwich Model Yacht Club - photo © Andy Wa

Early on it looked like our PRO was going to have a tough day, as the wind blew from the North, East, South and West, and that was just on one leg of the course !!!!

After four races Huntingdon RYC had a lead over Chelmsford RYC but only just, after eight races the gap was getting smaller, scores were produced after each set of four races, but none after the eighth race were produced, this heightened the tension on the bank for the rest of the afternoon.

International One Metre (IOM) Eastern District Team Event at Norwich Model Yacht Club - photo © Andy Wa

Individual Highlights

From the outset, Dave Green (HRYC, Sail 77) dominated the event, with a string of first-place finishes securing him the overall individual win with just 11 points. Chelmsford RYC's John Gill and Mark Dennis placed second and third respectively, putting in consistently strong performances all day.

Ben Wallace (HRYC) and David Hope (Chelmsford RYC) also finished in the top five, ensuring their clubs were well-positioned for team honours. Racing throughout the fleet remained tight, with sailors from Coalhouse Fort, Norwich, Alton Water, and Harwich & Dovercourt showing strong performances and admirable sportsmanship.

Individual Results: (top five)

1. Dave Green (Huntingdon RYC) - 11 pts
2. John Gill (Chelmsford RYC) - 28 pts
3. Mark Dennis (Chelmsford RYC) - 31 pts
4. Ben Wallace (Huntingdon RYC) - 47 pts
5. David Hope (Chelmsford RYC) - 56 pts

International One Metre (IOM) Eastern District Team Event at Norwich Model Yacht Club - photo © Andy Wa

Team Results

Team racing was equally intense, with cumulative scores from each club's top three skippers determining the team rankings.

• Chelmsford Radio Yacht Club took home the Team Victory, with strong finishes from John Gill (2nd), Mark Dennis (3rd), and David Hope (5th) for a combined total of 115 points.
• Huntingdon RYC were close behind, securing 2nd place with a combined 116 points, narrowly missing out by just one point despite Dave Green's outstanding individual performance.
• Alton Water (ARCSC) finished 3rd with 240 points, thanks to solid efforts from Chris Bridgewater, Olie Knowland, and Ronnie Bird.
• Norwich Model Yacht Club placed 4th on 274 points, with strong leadership from Mark Quayle.
• Coalhouse Fort finished 5th with 318.5 points, while Harwich & Dovercourt Model Boat Club took 6th place with 384 points.

International One Metre (IOM) Eastern District Team Event at Norwich Model Yacht Club - photo © Andy Wa

Summary

The day was a true celebration of Eastern District radio sailing talent. Close racing, excellent organization by NMYC, and the positive spirit among all competitors made for a memorable event. Congratulations to Chelmsford RYC on their team victory, and to Dave Green for his outstanding individual performance.

Congratulations to all who participated, next years event has been confirmed as Chelmsford RYC being the host club, date TBD.

Individual Overall Results:

Team Overall Results: