Setley Cup 1999 Overall Report

Annual Boxing Day Junior Model Yacht Racing

Organised for the third year running by Geoff and Mandy Stock

In order for a child to make the starting line at the Setley Cup, it is traditional for their home to become ankle deep in duct tape, whipping twine, supermarket bags, bamboo cane and sheets of lead for weeks prior to the event.

The state of the art construction materials for a winner leading up to the millenium, added to Christmas and relatives make for an intoxicating mix. It is easy to see why the Setley Cup has become the most eagerly awaited event in Lymington’s Yachting Calendar; marking, as it does, the conclusion of the most stressful few days a parent has to endure.

The 1999 event attracted 24 entries; 9 multihulls racing for the Seahorse Trophy, and 15 monohulls racing for the original Setley Cup. As always an interesting variety of craft had been prepared. It was not possible to discern any particular design trends, however construction techniques seem to have progressed - lemonade bottle hulls now seem strangely dated.

With the moderate gusty wind vaguely in the West a reaching course was set across the pond, with 5 races comprising the series. despite the tricky conditions the umpires adapted well, by giving generous interpretations regarding the whereabouts of the finishing line. The Trophies were presented to the winners by Robin Judah, a visiting International Judge from Bermuda.

1999 Results:

For those of you already preparing a challenge for next year, here is the Notice of Race:

Setley Pond - Boxing day - December 26th 2000 Starting at 11:00am Monohulls racing for the Setley Cup. Multihulls racing for the Seahorse Cup. The same boat rules apply to both classes:-

Boat Rules:

1. Maximum overall length: 660mm
2. Beam: unrestricted
3. Each boat’s sails must be capable of fitting into a rectangle of 1000mm by 500mm
4. Boats can be of any design - and any material
5. Sailing boats only - no stored power to be used (no batteries, rubber bands, radio control etc.)
6. All boats are to be launched by children under 18 years old
7. Bows of multihulls are to be connected with wire, tape, batten or similar - to prevent the trapping of other boats

The Small Print:

By tradition, Setley Cup judges and marshals are ruthless and biased. Their decisions are final, ill-informed, sometimes irresponsible and quite often downright ludicrous. The first race will be at about 11 o'clock. We will run as may races as it takes - and there will be as many discards as necessary. All horses and livestock are to be kept under strict control. Inconsistent and arbitrary rulings on any issue related or unrelated to the 'auld cup' can be obtained from Geoff or Mandy Stock - 01590 678102.