36th Starcross Steamer at Starcross Yacht Club
by Ben Cutler-Sharp 12 Jan 16:49 GMT
11 January 2026
The 36th Starcross Steamer, sponsored by Exe Sails and Covers, saw a capacity of 80 boats enter, however the forecast of strong southerly winds and rain saw the numbers fall away in the days before the race. The pursuit race saw 23 boats take to the water, faced with 22 knot average wind speeds and some fruitier gusts just north of 25 knots.
The fleet was a mixed bunch taking on the challenging conditions, with the slowest being ILCA4s through to the faster 505 and B14, with a variety of boats in between. With the race shortened from 2.5 hours down to 90 minutes to avoid wind over ebbing tide, it became a test of who can stay upright and keep their boat in one piece!
A special mention has to go to the younger sailors in the fleet, with superstars Ben Pascoe helming with Olly Turner and Tristan Pascoe sailing with his father Sam. In the singlehanders, young sailors Leo Shuttleworth, George Lenney, in their RS Aeros and Toby Keates and Gylfi Greeves in ILCA's, all took on the breezy conditions in their stride!
Sadly though as the race progressed with more boats retiring through gear failure or keeping upright failure, the wind ramped up further and the race was abandoned on the third lap to enable the rescue boats to focus on assisting everyone back to shore safe and sound.
The top five at the end of racing deserved a special mention with Ben Harris leading from George Lenny, and being chased by the blaze of Alan Harris, all of whom had taken a swim or two and got back on board, to battle on round the course! Possibly the most spectacular was the RS200 of Ralph Singleton and Lucy Loughton topping 19 knots on one of the three sail reaches, who were closing in on 4th place David Buzzard in his RS Aero.
Whilst there was no official finish, the spectacle the sailors provided deserved a special applause and some prizes for those who took on the elements, kindly provided by Sam Woolner at Exe Sails and Covers.
Thank-you's go to the army of volunteers, some stood in the cold and rain for hours and some stood in the water helping boats with tricky launching and landing. Not to mention the galley team who arrived at the club at an hour most people should be in bed, to prepare some lovely breakfast and lunches! Lastly the rib crews who definitely had their work cut out keeping everyone safe and sound.
Next year's event is scheduled in for the 17th of January 2027 and we really are hoping for some kinder weather!