Page 11 - Yachter Autumn 2024

This year saw a change in the Race Management set up as The Hound had blown a gasket and was not available for use. Fortunately, there was a spare fully crewed boat ready to take its place. Two members of The Hound’s original crew stood down, and others were redeployed onto other vessels and locations.
The replacement vessel was Castle 2, a purpose-built committee boat owned by
the Royal Yacht Squadron; to say it was the other end of the spectrum from our own would be an understatement! With twin hulls for stability, 2 x 100 hp outboard engines, and equipped with every instrument one could imagine for wind and navigation it is a remarkable piece of equipment. The catering set-up was pretty good too!
The on-board team was headed up by Squadron Member, Phil Warwick with a team including members from the Squadron, Royal Lymington Yacht Club, Seaview Yacht Club and Mike Garvey from RSYC. Mike was in the Chair on day one as Race Officer and Phil would take charge on the further three day with Mike looking over his shoulder. This gave good exposure to another Race Officer for the J70 and the SB20 fleets in the running of their racing during Cowes week. There were two Mark-Laying RIBS crewed by James, Brendon
and Simon. Many windward marks, gates and ODMs being laid with definition and precision during the fast and furious race sequences.
This year the Pin End vessel was once
again Sabrina, with Dave Martin at the helm together with Ginny, Angela, Linda and Kathy there to help him. They were also joined by Harry who was operating video equipment for start and finish lines. Julia was land-based this year, on the Squadron Platform, in the ‘Bird Cage” with the Strategic Management Team looking at the overall positioning of the various racing fleets and their vessels along with the Communications Teams, for
weather interactions relative to the suitability for safe racing.
RSYC have for the last few years run a mini series for J70 and SB20 classes. This came about from the racers who were keen to have the small series of their own as part of the bigger Cowes Week picture. Racing is fast and extremely competitive on start sequencing, Papa Flag is flown once only! Subsequent starts following General Recall go straight to Black Flag! This manoeuvre ensured there were no delays for subsequent starts.
The RSYC had a great presence over in Cowes this year, our Race Management Team received outstanding feedback for their help running the CV2 racing on the Hillhead Plateau.
RACING 11