The Royal Yacht Club de Belgique Trophy (aka the Belgian Plate)
There was little or no wind to start each day – but yet it was a fascinating and challenging 4 race series that ended with champagne conditions for the winner takes all showdown race – the whole lot crafted by an in-form Nigel Pattison, our PRO for the weekend.
When the wind arrived for R1 Sibby drove Osprey to the front on the beat to Itchenor Fairway. (James Hartley is still recovering from a knee and cartilage op and should be back for the NM). The 12 boat fleet settled down to a tricky off-wind tide-cheating leg down harbour but Jon Perry in Swift got by to have a handsome lead before 95 (sailing 2up with Rob Sutherland) in imperious form reasserted themselves and were never subsequently headed despite several late race attacks from Marengo. Skua (Harry and Prue R – again sailing 2up) ground their way up to 3rd.
The drop in temperature that greeted the fleet as they returned ashore was salutary – and meant that respect for Covid regs ashore was a little stretched as sailors from many fleets sought refuge under the mini-gazebos which offered meagre protection from the bitter N wind and rain for the lucky few. Some decided that ‘winter series’ racing was not for them!
In R2 Marengo reversed the morning’s positions by being marginally faster downwind and tidally astute as we neared HW. Gwaihir managed to reach the podium for the first time. So at the end of day the leaders were Osprey, level on 3 points apiece with Marengo.
A more tempting forecast for day 2 with a marginally reduced fleet towed out to the Park area to await the breeze and taking the opportunity for a good and extended social in a long crocodile line behind the moored BV. Eventually it came and with it a fleet vote to depart from convention and have b2b racing to get everyone back ashore soonest and before permafrost set in. The W/L course to Ellanore and then down to an inflatable near Park required some careful exploration of the Rookwood shoreline – which Darter (Kit Glover) read correctly (without a depth sounder too!) to round with a 30m lead. Unfortunately their guile ran out whilst rounding %age – the wrong way! Sibby gamely hailed them as he slipped by into the lead. Gwaihir took over in 2nd and Darter recovered to cross the line in 3rd.
The final all-important race – a beat to J Davis, run to Thorney, beat to Dunes and then a final run back to the finish in fab F3/4 was notable for the fact that both boats vying for overall victory made indifferent starts (without any match-racing mischief) but this time only Marengo was capable of playing their ‘get-out-of -jail’ card (and after Osprey misjudged the ODM) and to devastating effect – to both win the race and take the trophy on count back.
Results
1st Marengo (Carolyn Brigg, Sue Hamlyn & David Sloper) 4 points
2nd Osprey (Jeremy Sibthorp, Rob Sutherland/Nick Warner) 4 points
3rd Gwaihir (Mike Wigmore, Mark Struckett and Charles Hyatt) 10 points.
Full results here https://swallowclass.org/results/
More From Your CC …
Notes
- Nick Warner hadn’t crewed any Swallow for nearly a year but won his first race back out
- Lots of new sails out on display. The North mainsail is a very different shape but the overall order was Batt, North, North/Hyde and Batt/Hyde. It will be interesting to see what happens in a bigger breeze.
- The now-mended BV was seen zipping round the harbour to change courses – sometimes JIT. Good start lines, sensible courses and a sensitive (if strictly not proper) programme adjustment were all customer-friendly decisions.
- Why is Marengo so quick downhill? Is it the new ‘chicken soup’ paint job?!
The Ladies Medallion – Saturday 8 May 10.30
We have tried to find a date which might generate more support. The plan is to set off Lady helms at 10.30 and then others (transgender and blokes) 5 minutes later with whistle only signals at 10.34 and 10.35. Atm it looks a bit breezy for the LM so a final decision will be made on Friday and promptly communicated to all boat managers.
The Ponder Challenge Cup – Saturday 15 May – 3 races all to count
Thoroughly check your boat for this test of equipment and stamina – though there is a lunch break!
Swallow Guest Day – Sunday 16 May
Our Swallow Class Guest day on Sunday 16 May is coming up fast.
The format is two short b2b races and then join us for an al fresco lunch on the lawn at the club. It will be sunny and warm by then, honest! Seven boats, with guests are expected already but we are keen to put on a good show so if you haven’t made your plans yet, please clear the date, find a guest, and let coordinator Carolyn Brigg know your plans.
Let us know if you are coming on the day with or without a guest.
Saturday 22 May
There will be a Swallow race at 14.10!
The Norman Moore Trophy – Saturday and Sunday May 29 & 30
We have found a Covid-acceptable formula to enable us to re-instate our planned meal – as an informal 2 course supper. Details to be available soon. After so long in the social wilderness please keep the date!
Please note: The handbook says that we will be at Coast Cottage on Saturday 29 May. It is a printing error – we shall be there on Saturday 31 July (the Championship weekend) with many thanks to Malcolm Green.
Cowes Classics Week (4-9 July)
We now have 13 boats indicating they now wish to attend CCW … but thus far only 3 have entered! As the Early Bird Entry deadline expires this coming Wednesday 12th May you all need to enter asap!
Also a mooring request is not an entry!
The Social Side! https://www.cowesclassicsweek.org/socials
Additionally the newly arrived Cowes resident and past Class Secretary, Michael Cover, has very kindly offered to host a drinks reception on the Monday evening of our visit. More details nearer the time. We would very much like someone to act as our Social Co-ordinator for CCW whilst we are in town so anyone with stamina, resilience, patience and bonhomie please let the CC know.
On a Roll …!
The Swallow moulds all packed up and in their way to build the First David Heritage Swallow!
With thanks to our Chairman and to Graham Colbourn’s 4×4.
More smiling faces from the Belgique Plate.