SailFish and Young Crew Shine at the JOG TeamO Cowes-Cherbourg Offshore
by JOG Yacht Racing 11 Sep 2025 10:19 BST
22-23 August 2025
Fleet heading East during the JOG TeamO Cowes-Cherbourg Offshore © Paul Wyeth / JOG
The TeamO Cowes-Cherbourg Offshore, organised by JOG in partnership with RORC, delivered a thrilling offshore contest for sailors of all ages, with JOG yachts featuring prominently across the leaderboard.
One standout performance came from SailFish, skippered by Oli Hawkins and crewed entirely by sailors under the age of 30. Highlighting the skill and determination of the next generation of offshore sailors, Hawkins reflected on their unique start: "Unlike every other JOG race, the slow boats were off last, allowing us a unique opportunity to see the likes of Scream 2 and Stickleback away. We opted to start at the northern end of the line, hoping for a better angle and pressure. Jetpack were spot on the line with us right up their transom and Bellino just behind us - we were in good company!"
The race to the forts tested both strategy and seamanship, particularly for SailFish, which Hawkins describes as not quite having the performance of a J or X yacht: "We almost saw the whole fleet overtake us but managed to stay clear of dirty air around the fort, until we were right behind Xtract and just ahead of Marta."
SailFish then made a bold sail change, combining their asymmetric with a storm jib as a staysail - a first for the team - to power past Xara, Sunfasts, and J-boats including Mojo: "Our A sail was traded for a case of beer and a bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape; proving that alcohol really is the key to success!"
The crew's sense of humour continued even during high-pressure moments. Hawkins recalled one tricky tack: "We literally got caught with our trousers down on this one, as the magic angle we decided to tack at was hit while I had my salopettes around my ankles. I threw my TeamO lifejacket on; the split crotch straps definitely saved me from wedgies. Did they cost us valuable seconds? Of course not - but it was a great opportunity to thank TeamO, who not only provided generous prizes but also great gear!"
Through careful trimming and teamwork, SailFish maintained speed against a fast-moving fleet of J109s and Sun Fast 3200s, ultimately finishing just before 9:20 a.m. - in true JOG style, arriving at the bar early to celebrate with fellow competitors.
Reflecting on the results, Hawkins said: "It was great to see so many JOG boats on the RORC podium, with Scream 2 and Xara winning their classes and Bellino winning overall! Unfortunately, with the requirement for a YB tracker, we were priced out of the RORC results but were able to win our class in JOG! Mojo had a flyer in the night, catching Jetpack to win Class 2, and Scream 2 were pipped by Bellino for Class 1 and the overall win with JOG."
SailFish's success is a perfect example of the Generation JOG programme, which supports and encourages younger sailors to get offshore racing experience, providing guidance, mentorship, and access to prizes and equipment to help new talent develop. More information and how to donate to the fund follow the link here.
JOG Results:
Overall
1 - Bellino, Rob Craigie, SUN FAST 3600
2 - Scream 2, Stuart Lawrence, J 120
3 - Mzungu!, Tony White, JPK 1080
IRC Class 1
1 - Bellino, Rob Craigie, SUN FAST 3600
2 - Scream 2, Stuart Lawrence, J 120
3 - Mzungu!, Tony White, JPK 1080
IRC Class 2
1 - Mojo, Richard Breese, J 105
2 - Jetpack, Mark Brown, JPK 1010
3 - Snapshot, Charles Balmain, J 99
IRC Class 3
1 - SailFish, Oli Hawkins, Gibsea 90
2 - Xara, Jonathon Rolls, Swan 38
3 - First Light, Charles Flewitt, Elan 333
Double Handed
1 - Bellino, Rob Craigie, SUN FAST 3600
2 - Mzungu!, Tony White, JPK 1080
3 - First Light, Chris Flewitt, Elan 33
Generation JOG
1 - Scream 2, Stuart Lawrence, J 120
2 - SailFish, Oli Hawkins, Gibsea 90
3 - First Light, Chris Flewitt, Elan 33
Next up is the four remaining coastal races of the season: Stoneways Cowes to Poole and return race on the 13th and 14th September, and the Henri-Lloyd Cowes and Lymington weekend on 27th and 28th September. Check out the programme here.
Find out more at www.jog.org.uk