Page 32 - Yachter Autumn 2020

32 RACING REPORTS
FORTY YEARS OF DOUBLE- HANDED RACING AT THE RSYC
It does not seem possible that forty years have elapsed since the club pioneered double handed racing. It had taken two years to successfully “bid” for a suitable date in the crammed Solent racing calendar. Still an annual event it needs to be booked one, preferably two years ahead. To best circumnavigate the Isle of Wight, few weekend tides are suitable for the preferred Westabout course. However, there have been a few occasions when the Eastabout – or “America’s Cup route” was the better option.
The Island Double was intended as a fun day out for both cruisers and racers. It
soon became clear that the family cruiser, already set up for short handed sailing, could compete successfully against the racing
boats where two had to do the work of
8 or 10! Whilst line honours and setting record rounding times was the preserve of the racers, it was not unusual for them to get beaten on handicap for the most coveted trophies.
Soon after I was persuaded to take over as Honorary Sailing Secretary, my business - Solent Rigging - became a sponsor and I became what you might describe as passionately involved!
Every sailing club in the Solent area was targeted, as were the class captains to
encourage J24, Sonata, Impala, Contessa, Sigma 33 and 38 owners – with no upper size limit. The efforts bore fruit with 132 entries in the first year. The race team based themselves at the Royal London, using their line and hosting the post-race party where all finishers were presented with a pair of engraved tumblers. They had to send out for more beer on several occasions.
As the number of entries grew each year, it became apparent that the line to Prince Consort was not long enough! By 1988 with the fleet size around 250, I ventured to ask the RoyalYacht Squadron if we might use their Platform and line to West Bramble. “We would be delighted” came the reply, “£200 a day plus ammunition”!
In response to the growing demand for
double handed racing, the successful format of the Island Double was developed into a series of events with an offshore element
to various destinations along the English and French coasts together with an inshore series. So numerous were the donated trophies that it became necessary to hold a separate annual prizegiving.
The success of the double handed format was to lead, inevitably, to growing competition from other organising authorities, including Cowes Week.
Ironically, following months of COVID-19 lockdown, it was once again double handed racing which was to lead the way back into the sport as government restrictions were eased to allow one household per boat.
Looking back, it is amusing to recall the words of a notorious yachting journalist who declared that the status of the Royal SouthamptonYacht Club was raised from a highly reputable luncheon Club to a highly respected racing organisation – thanks Bob!
Words: Neil Cox
Photos: Neil Cox and Dave Martin