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2025 Shrimper Championship at Mylor Yacht Club

by Brian Phipps 2 Sep 2025 08:34 BST 29-31 August 2025
2025 Shrimper Open Championship at Falmouth © Brian Phipps

Shrimper teams blow a hole in the remnants of hurricane Erin

Despite the challenging forecast over the three day "Shrimper Open Championship", hoisted by Mylor Yacht Club, Falmouth, the event attracted a record entry. The event followed close on the heels of Falmouth Sailing week, attracting a number of sailors from further up country to encompass both events with convenient local moorings and storge on hand between events.

Day 1 saw a forecast of 18mph with potential 28mph gusts. A wise decision by the fleet and the race officer confirmed all teams sailed with a minimum of 1 reef in the mainsail attracting the less confident teams to give it a go. Three short races were contested across the fleet on a turning tide making on course decisions a challenge. By the end of the days racing Shrimper Ysella sailed by Brian Phipps and Paul Chatfield lead the leader board closely followed by Tarragon and Jackdaw just 2 point behind. A welcome of "Cornish Pasties" and bar chit-chat, hosted by Mylor Yacht Club rounded off the day's events.

Day 2 saw more wind and squally showers with the fleet heading out under the same minimum reefing requirement. Drama on the start line a few gear failures kept the safety boat teams busy and with reducing visibility across the course area the race officer decide one race was enough excitement for the day and the fleet headed home with Ysella taking line honours closely followed by Lucinda sailed by Peter MacFarlane. BBQ and refreshments followed just to round the afternoon off

Day 3 gave no respite on the wind front although the sun decided to show its face on and off, a slightly depleted fleet headed out for race 5 and 6 but the breeze just kept coming delivering the highest recorded gusts. Race office Steve Nicholls and team did an excellent job managing the challenging conditions to deliver a course that kept everyone on their toes. With the lead changing various times Ysella managed to lead the fleet across the finish line to take the championship Trophy, followed by Jackdaw and Tarragon.

The end result? Whilst some boats had a few scars, all boats and teams got home safe and sound. Battles across the fleet were hotly contested for the various trophy's up for grabs. The Cornish Cream Tea (cream on top!) prize giving took place at Mylor Yacht Club under sunny skies. A good time had by all, even with the challenges. Next year's Shrimper Open Championships date already set 4,5,6th September 2026 with the aim of attracting an even bigger entry.

Overall Results:

PosBoat NameSail NoHelmR1R2R3R4R5R6Pts
1Ysella298Brian Phipps11‑41115
2Jackdaw626Stuart Sly242‑62212
3Tarragon367Michael Lyons43133(RET)14
4Misty Blue254David Aslett‑1751145328
5Lucinda172Peter MacFarlane9.57.5‑1028431
6Squib2Hattie Smart66677‑1032
7Sterren Vor518Miles Pinchin(DNS)19354536
8Sophie455Chris Fuller898(RET)6637
9Reward842Alan Mills1310‑15812750
10Little Tern678James Parker9.5‑15131114.5856
11White Rabbit718Andy Barker325(RET)DNSDNS60
12Salome346Claire Bailey7119DGB(DNS)DNS61
13Moondance816Andy Noble512713(RET)DNS62
14Percy264Patrick Farrell‑1414141491364
15Carla Louise727Clive Henderson121316(DNS)14.5964.5
16Dawn of Polruan889Steve Przybylski11‑161212161566
17Drake86Ray Gall207.520(DNS)101168.5
18Jackana400James Wickett181719913(DNS)76
19Annie503Bob Cox151817(DNS)181482
20Humbug802Mark Jenkins1920‑2115191285
21Blackbird534Andrew Grigg(DNS)DNSDNS1011DNS96
22Sparrow1078Richard Salisbury162118(DNS)17RET97
23Stella Maris1120Helen Fearney212222(DNS)DNSDNS115
24Pelican102Tom Phipps(DNS)DNSDNSDNSDNSDNS125

Trophy Winners:

  • Shrimper Open Champion - Brian Phipps & Paul Chatfield. Ysella 298
  • 1st Shrimper inboard - Alan Mills & John Montgomery. Reward 842
  • Windsport Shrimper Trophy - Claire and Bel Bailey. Salome 346
  • 1st Lady helm - Hattie Smart. Squib 002
  • Falmouth SOA personal handicap Trophy - Alan Mills. Reward 842
  • Youngest sailor award - Wilf Pinchin

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