Squib National Championship 2025 at Royal Torbay Yacht Club - Day 4

A blustery offshore wind greeted the 46 Squibs assembled in Torquay for their National Championship.

Race officer Bill Butcher and his team started on time, and with no delays Race 6 commenced under the now familiar U Flag penalty. For once the Squibs were well behaved on the line and a clear start ensued. The right hand side was favoured by most and Mike Budd crewed by Mark Greaves sailing Harry VI from SCYC had a healthy lead followed by Chip Cole crewed by David Smith sailing "Dark and Stormy" from Royal Burnham YC, Richard Smith and Graham Reeve sailing Flame, Andrew Moore and Peter Halliday sailing "Winkles Retreat from Felixstowe Ferry SC were close behind followed by Tom Jeffcote and Mark Hogan in RicOShea.

Squib Nationals 2025 at Torbay Day 4 - photo © Nicola Davies

On the second beat Harry VI's barber haulers exploded and RicOShea took the lead but lost it to Dark and Stormy who led the race up to the last windward mark. They were overhauled by Winkles Retreat on the run who won by one boatlength. RicOShea were third. Flame and Budgies Tongue sailed by Jack Grogan and Mike Banks were 4th and 5th keeping alive their hopes for a top 5 finish. Harry VI recovered to a creditable 7th.

Squib Nationals 2025 at Torbay Day 4 - photo © Nicola Davies

Race 7 start was closely contested but with two U Flag casualties, Squib and Dark and Stormy who amazingly finished consecutively before finding out their penalty.

Helmut Schoing, Nigel Grogan crewed by Ben McGrane from RCYC led at the windward mark and sailed an immaculate race extending their lead on every leg. Malcolm Blackburn and Steve Allso in Moonstone, third overall this morning were second round the windward mark but fell back into the 20's improving to a disappointing 10th. Flame along with Penny Benjamin sailed by Dan Henderson and Marc Moncrief from W&OBYC improved their chances by coming second and third. Christopher and Gillian Jordan sailing "Croc" also from Oulton Broad came a creditable 4th.

Squib Nationals 2025 at Torbay Day 4 - photo © Nicola Davies

Overnight leaders and current National Champions, Micky Wright and Alex Porteous, had a disastrous day with a 25th and a 17th, probably ruining their chances this year.

Current overall positions in a very closely fought championship are:

RicOShea 31pts
Helmut Schoing 31.2pts (includes average points score for Race 1)
Moonstone 36pts
Brimstone 38 pts
Flame 42pts
Budgies Tongue 43pts

A high scoring regatta with all to compete for tomorrow.

Thank you to the sponsors for the event; Batt Sails, Hyde Sails, Harken, Holt, Robline, Stich&print, Sea Sure and Westway sails.

Results after Day 4: