Review - Officers Reports Race Reports Cruising Reports
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Review
MOCRA 2019
Officers Reports • Race Reports • Cruising Reports
Editors Note MOCRA 2018 Review Contents
Dear Members,
01 Cover Photography of Morpheous
By Peter Lillywhite
This is your Annual Review. We can only publish the articles you write. So please think during the coming
season if there is anything you could write up to share with other members. So also, a big thank-you to all
04 Officers Reports
our contributors in this edition. 04 Commodore’s Report 2019
By Phil Cotton
I announced at the AGM just past that I would stand down from the Executive Committee at the end of
04 Rating Secretary’s Report
2021, after ten years’ service as Honorary Secretary, if not ousted before then. It has been an honour to be
By Simon Forbes
at the heart of MOCRA, serving the multihull community with other members of your Executive Committee
who have made it an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. 04 Treasurer’s Report
By Tim Wilsom
There are a number of reasons for standing down: I’m not getting any younger, I’ve had a good period in 05 Memberships Secretary’s Report
harness, and it is important to bring new blood into the organization. By Tim Wilsom
I do three jobs at the moment, these are: 05 Cruising Secretary’s Report
By Mark Jarvis
Honorary Secretary 05-06 Racing Secretary’s Report
By Simon Baker
The Hon Sec calls meetings of the Executive Committee and the AGM and arranges the venue for the
Executive Committee Meetings (currently a conveniently located pub). They are responsible for the Agenda 07 Annual Genral Meetind 2019 - Minutes
12:00 Saturday 23rd November 2019, at the Royal Thames Yacht Club (Knightsbridge)
and Minutes of the meetings, making sure actions are completed, and making sure MOCRA is acting
according to its constitution. The Hon Sec is also the primary point of contact for members and external 08-09 Income & Expenditures Accounts
organizations.
10 Race Reports
This is a position that benefits from good organizational skills and understanding the dynamics of a voluntary 10-13 Scottish Island Peaks Race 2019
organization. Tasks are distributed throughout the year, with a peak around the AGM. By Gordon Baird
Publications Secretary
14-15 The Royal Western Triangle Race
16-17 MOCRA – Burnham racing report 2019
There are two publications: The Calendar and the Review. For 2019 MOCRA membership By Simon Barnes
remains at £25. 18-20 Round The Island Race 2019
The Calendar is straightforward. We need to find photos from the year, preferably from members and at The cost of a rating certificate By Oriel Butcher
least of members’ boats suitable for the Calendar, and then liaise with the publishers who do the layout,
remains at £26. 21-22 Cowes Week
printing, and distribution.
Anyone requesting a Rating will By Phil Cotton
For the Review, the Pub Sec needs to solicit articles from race winners and cruisers (there are usually plenty need to be a MOCRA member.
23 Buzz, Race Report De Guingand Bowl 8-9 June
forthcoming). These then need to be checked for grammar and spelling before passing to the publishers in By Ross Hobson
publication order who do all the hard work of layout, printing and distribution. The Pub Sec just needs to
review the draft layout. 23 Round the Isle of Wight Race 29th June
Selling your boat? By Ross Hobson
This position is somewhat seasonal, in that most of the work is in the fourth quarter, with the Calendar 24 RORC Cowes – St malo/Dinard Race 12th July
published around Christmas, and the Review around the same time. By Ross Hobson
Just a reminder.......
Website Manager If you as a MOCRA member sell 24 RORC Channel race 27-28 July
your boat to someone in the By Ross Hobson
We have a website that contains mostly static information. The technical work is done by a paid webmaster.
The website manager is responsible for content, which may include editing pages and uploading files, but UK, you can give the new owner 25 Rolex Fastnet 2019
By Ross Hobson
with the support of the webmaster for anything difficult. Making AGM documents available on the website is a FREE year’s membership of
the biggest single activity. MOCRA. 26 RORC Cherbourg race 7th Sept and season round up
By Ross Hobson
The position benefits from someone with basic word processing skills, and generally not being afraid of
computers. A good eye for an elegant web page is also useful. If you would like to email me at 27 Cruising Reports
dr.matthew.west@gmail.com 27-28 Our Travels to Barcelona
None of these roles is especially difficult. I hope suitable people will step forward to do one or more of these then I will send you the applica- By Jeff and Fiona Speller
roles. I will happily provide a handover and support any volunteers for their first year.
tion form. 29-30 Delivering Toucan 2
By Chris Nurney
Fair Winds
Matthew West The membership will be for the 31-33 The trials (and tribulations) of Toucan
By Chris Nurney
Hon Sec MOCRA remainder of the calendar year
and a MOCRA Rating certificate 34-38 Prickly Pair Heads for Portugal
By Aoife Nichols
is not included.
pg
3
Commodore’s Report 2019 Rating Secretary’s Membership Cruising Secretary’s Report
2019, our 50th 2019 was also the year that multihulls Report Secretary Report The 2019 none of the planned rallies were held.
anniversary were re-admitted into Cowes Week after MOCRA cruise This was quite disappointing but
year for four years’ absence (and two years of The MOCRA plans were not entirely a surprise when taken in
MOCRA has, lobbying) For those who participated Racing Committee published on the conjunction with the general reduction
in my opinion, it was a great success although again did not make any MOCRA website in boat usage and degree of indecision
been another the numbers in the MOCRA fleet were amendments to and the dates in the country in general this year. I
year of steady disappointing. This was perhaps because the Rating Rule for
were added to hope that this will change for 2020.
growth and of the timing being just after The Rolex 2019.
the Facebook
consolidation. Fastnet Race and just before Burnham
102 MOCRA diary. The plan was for rallies each On a personal note, I have decided
Week and Falmouth Week. The overall
Our membership numbers have once multihull entries were thankfully bolstered Rating Certificates month through the 7 summer months not to seek re-election as Cruising
again held up and together with another with the inclusion of 8 boats from the were issued for ending with a final rally in October. Secretary for 2020 and I hope that this
year of record rating certificates issued, Diam24od class. Cowes Week will never 2019, excluding 6 The rally venues were left open with change might bring with it a new focus
we have generated a healthy cash be a cheap week but if we do want to complimentary ratings for the Bridgedeck the intention of choosing them as the on MOCRA cruising and renewal of
keep it on our calendar then we do need Cruiser Class in the ISC Round the Isle of attendees and weather dictated. interest in organised events and rallies
surplus from what are two very modest
Wight Race. The certificates were emailed for the cruising membership.
fees (£25 annual membership and £26 to support it with greater numbers. I can
to the boat owners and have been
rating renewal). Our healthy cash balance recommend it as a very sociable and Unfortunately, this was not successful in
published on the website.
has enabled the Executive Committee fun event. The race management team 2019 and no requests for information or Mark Jarvis
to spend your Association money to are keen to make the return of multihulls Six multihulls were weighed during the any interest in the rallies this year were Cruising Secretary - MOCRA
support 50th Anniversary events around a success and are willing to listen to year using the MOCRA Loadcell. received from any members. As a result,
the country and to send a token gift to all our ideas on course length, format and
members to mark our Anniversary – enjoy! possibly more than one race per day. Simon Forbes
We’ve also decided to “push the boat” out Looking into 2020 a couple of dates
with our AGM and Annual Lunch and Prize are already shaping up for your diaries.
Rating Secretary
In 2019 we have 145 paying members Racing Secretary’s Report
Giving being held at the Royal Thames The Round the Island Race is booked and 2 life members. This compares rather
Yacht Club on Saturday November
23rd. We’ve also changed the format
for the unusually early date of Saturday
30th May. The Poole Regatta is just the
Treasurer’s Report unfavourably with previous years. This
may be fluctuation, demographics, or
Another eventful
year draws to a
managed to make it to the start line and
complete the course. The results were 1st
somewhat switching to a lunchtime event weekend before on 23rd-25th May so other factors. close, 50 years Wandering Glider, 2nd The Peaky Blinder
MOCRA of MOCRA, and 3rd Don’t Look Down. They would
with presentations in the afternoon from why not link the two together and keep Financial Report for
Year Members what will welcome more entries next year.
three highly respected current multihull your boat in the Solent for that week? 12 months ending 31 multihulls look
designers sharing their ideas and theories. Cowes Week is set for 8th – 14th August December 2018. 2015 177 like in another The 2019 Nationals were hosted by
I look forward to catching up with many of and Bembridge on the 12th and 13th half century? RWYC with 7 entries. Racing was held
2017 188
you in Knightsbridge. September. This is our first Looking back over three days in varied conditions both
Financial Year that 2018 185 over the year inside Plymouth breakwater and out near
Simon Baker will be covering the And finally…. I commented in my 2018 aligns with the and forwards the Eddystone lighthouse. It was very
2019 145
MOCRA racing activities under his Sailing Report that your Executive Committee Calendar Year. Due to into 2020. tight racing with Matt Baker on Wombat
the process of achieving this alignment, tusselling with Hissy Fit every race, the
Secretary’s Report so I won’t repeat but I had all served on the Committee for many Like last year, there are nine people who February, as usual brought us the
the last accounts were for the 16-months championships came down to the last
would add it’s pleasing to continue to see many years and that some new blood pay old membership fees who are not Caribbean 600, this continues its race. With the strongest winds of the
strong and growing MOCRA fleets in the would be most welcome. Accordingly, a 31 August 2016 to 31 December 2017.
counted in the total. popularity with 10 racers in the MOCRA event and an offshore course it was Hissy
South West and the East Coast and with very big thank you to William Lee who has class. Fit that clinched the last race.
Despite the year-end change, there are
signs of something of a resurgence in the stepped forward this year to take on the Like last year, we have a core
no significant differences to the timing of Back in the UK, the East Coast fleet Meanwhile in the Solent, Royal Victoria
Solent and Scotland. Once again however role of Membership Secretary. Two other our underlying receipts as the bulk of our constituency of about 100 people who continues to gather strength; Simon YC offered a series of races over the
a general trend continues with numbers Executive Committee members will be Membership Subscriptions and Racing pay early in the year, a minority of whom Barnes representing the area is now a season for the Solent based boats, we
supporting local MOCRA regattas such as stepping down at this year’s AGM, Mark Ratings are received over the first and do not have racing certs. committee member. Although not yet hope this series will grow in strength with
Bembridge being low (although Burnham Jarvis as Cruising Secretary and myself second quarters respectively i.e. January- finalised it seems that there is a good its ideal central location. Nigel Talbot and
Week was something of an exception as Commodore and Social Secretary. On March, and April-June. chance that the 2020 Nationals will be his new ride Sanity will be happy to see
We have a large number of memberships
with a strong turnout). Your Executive behalf of all the Committee and members held at Burnham, dates to follow. you joining in.
from Brazil, France, Hong Kong, The
Committee would be delighted to hear I’d like to thank Mark for all his hard work Within expenditure, our main underlying
Caribbean, etc, who presumably largely May 2020 the RWYC and Newport YC Bembridge Regatta was down on
your thoughts as to why this is the case and effort in promoting multihull cruising costs remain the publication of
Newsletter/Yearbook and Calendar. join for their racing certificates. host the OStar & TwoStar. The race numbers this year and needs a few more
and suggestions for change. over many years. For me, I have enjoyed
However, a notable increase in Website coincides with the Mayflower 400 boats next year or we are in danger of
my 14 years on the Committee and past celebrations. For good or bad it moves losing this great end of season weekend.
related costs has occurred as we paid for There is still a small number of payments
By contrast the offshore MOCRA four as Commodore. I would like to thank the RWYC Triangle race back to the end
the sites’ updating, including the ability to which do not easily reconcile. These may
community is definitely enjoying increased all my Committee members for all their of May for 2020, maybe the weather will Hon Secretary Matthew West’s
pay for Membership, Racing Ratings etc be up to 16 additional memberships, be better? Schionning catamaran, Backlash, is nearly
numbers in the classic offshore events, hard work and support over the years,
via PayPal. taking this year’s total to 161. ready to relaunch after a major refit. It
notably the Rolex Fastnet Race, The especially to Matthew West, who as
Secretary is largely responsible for making Scottish Peaks racing this year saw will be good to see them both back on
RORC Caribbean 600 and the other Our annual income just about covered our Relatedly, there are some members for South West based Bare Necessities, the water. Backlash is looking better than
RORC cross channel series of races. It this Association tick. Matthew oversees expenditure over the Financial Year. There Dazcat 1150 make the journey up north new, and it will be good to have Matthew
the website, the newsletter, the calendar, whom we do not have email addresses,
seems that the larger offshore multihulls was a relatively small net deficit of £214. to compete against the infamous Baird back sailing and flying the MOCRA
are going from strength to strength whilst all the AGM and Constitutional formalities, and some for whom we have no contact
However, our Balance Sheet remains Family on Dragonfly 32 Tri Mhor, sadly burgee.
the smaller and mid-sized boats are the Executive Committee meetings and I details at all. I do hope these folks get for Bruce and Alison they had to settle
healthy with Accumulated Funds of
doing fewer “around the cans” races and suspect quite a few other things too. £10,723, which is in excess of 1 years’ some joy from being MOCRA members, for second place. Can anyone beat these Round the Island Race, was another slow
perhaps more cruising. Thank you. expenditure. because they don’t get anything else! local champions? one, with park-ups at pretty much every
corner of the race. During the very long
Tim Wilson William Lee The Three Peaks Yacht race also day a number of boats looked like it might
Phil Cotton welcomed Multihulls for the first time be their day. Eventually the Snakes and
Commodore Treasurer Membership Secretary
in many years. Three MOCRA boats Ladders came through for Hissy Fit and
pg
4 pg
5
Racing Secretary’s Report
her crew, I would like to thank them for
continuing to be determined to take every
Shuttleworth, won her first race in part of
the RWYC Triangle race, demonstrating
Commodore, he remains head of the UK
Diam 24 fleet which we hope will continue
Annual General Meeting 2019
opportunity to scrape forwards, trying to blistering speeds at times, nearly twice as to join the MOCRA fleet for some events. I
leave the slower boats behind and catch fast as the rest of the fleet on the leg to would like to thank him for his time at the
12:00 Saturday 23rd November 2019, at the Royal Thames Yacht Club
up the faster ones. Just when we thought Falmouth. helm of our ship, which has not always (Knightsbridge)
we were nearly there the breeze flipped been an easy ride; he has guided us well
again only 20m from the finish. Mango 3 The last major race of the year in Europe, through the last few years, thank you Phil.
were second and Dragonfly third. the RORC Middle Sea Race, took place
in October. Plagued by exceptionally For those members who wish to get 7. To reappoint the auditors be made at any Annual General Meeting
Members Present
Ross Hobson, owner of Seacart 30 Buzz, light winds there were no finishers more involved in MOCRA and our racing,
wins the RORC Season Championship, in the MOCRA class from 4 starters please get in touch if you feel you have Phil Cotton, Matthew West, Mark Jarvis, (See Officers’ Reports file) to fill any vacancy remaining.”
made up of 26 Multihulls competing in Disappointing, especially for Nigel something to put in, I have been Racing Tim Wilson, Simon Baker, Matt Baker, Proposed: Matthew West At present, there are no nominations for
RORC events around the world. Second Passmore & Apollo who had made the Secretary now for 9 years, so perhaps it’s
and third places go to Joel Malardel with effort to get there from Plymouth, let’s time for someone else to bring forward Roderick Walker, Jeff Speller, Simon Seconded: Mike Butterfield the Executive Committee.
Tancrede and James Holder with Slinky hope for better wind in 2020. some new ideas. Forbes, Andrew Fennel, Mike Butterfield, Approved by acclamation.
Malinki.
James Holder, Graeme Ward, Harvey The following were therefore nominated:
More MOCRA Rating certificates issued, 2020 sounds like it should be a great
17 Multihulls gathered for the biennial shows a better year, with a continued year, so don’t forget to let others know Bowden. 8. To receive the Membership
Fastnet event. 12 making up the positive trend. what your plans are to ensure we have Secretaries Report President Mike
MOCRA class and 5 in the Open class. competitive racing.
Congratulations to Christian Guyader on 2019 were 102 1. Welcome by the Commodore (See Officers’ Reports file) Butterfield
his TS 42 Gauyader Gastronomie for his 2018 were 86 Simon Baker The Commodore, Phil Cotton, welcomed Proposed: James Holder Commodore Rupert Kidd
win in the MOCRA class in what was an 2017 were 69 GBR788M Hissy Fit
exceptionally fast race with an elapsed 2016 were 76 us to the Royal Thames Yacht Club. Seconded: Graeme Ward Vice-Commodore Simon Baker
time of only 60 hrs for the 608 miles. 2015 were 75 Approved by acclamation. Honorary Secretary Matthew
Frank Cammas on Maxi Edmond De
2. Apologies for Absence West
Rothschild, just held off Francois Gabart The Racing Committee made no changes
on Macif with what was a photo finish, to the rating rule in 2019 and only one Apologies have been received from: 9. To receive the Cruising Secretaries Honorary Treasurer Tim Wilson
meeting was held. Report (See Officers’ Reports file) Hon. Membership Sec. William Lee
William Lee, Nigel Talbot, Chris Breeze,
just 58 seconds separating them in a
28 hour record breaking race Freshly The Racing committee are looking into Nick Wood, Piotr Kopczynski, David Proposed: Phil Cotton Racing Secretary Simon Baker
Squeezed a Grainger 36 footer sailed fore triangles and J0 sails. Lowe, Michael Thornloe, David Allen, Seconded: Matthew West Cruising Secretary Vacancy
by Paul Brant is happy to now be on the
water and competing in RORC races. Phil Cotton has decided to stand Daryl Morgan, Simon Barnes, Gwen Approved by acclamation. Rating Secretary Simon Forbes
Morpheus Andrew Fennels 40’ down from his current role of MOCRA Chapalain, Lyndsey Knight, Nick Roberts, RYA Liaison Officer Simon Forbes
Rupert Kidd 10. To receive the Racing Secretaries Social Secretary Simon
Mocra Trophy Winners 2019
Report (See Officers’ Reports file) Barnes
Offshore Trophies
Seven proxy forms have been received Proposed: Mark Jarvis Affiliated Groups Rep. Vacancy
Ross Hobson giving proxy to the Chair or the Hon Seconded: James Holder Safety Officer Simon Forbes
Shambles Salver RORC season’s multihull points trophy.
Buzz
Secretary. Approved by acclamation. Publications/Editorial Vacancy
Chritian Guyader Trophy Secretary Mike
Yachts & Yachting Catamaran First multihull over the line in Fastnet Race under 50’
Guyader Gastominic
3. To Approve the Minutes of the 11. To receive the Rating Officers Butterfield
Chritian Guyader Previous AGM Report (See Officers’ Reports file) Scottish Area Representative
Crystal Trophy First multihull on corrected time under 50 feet in Fastnet Race.
Guyader Gastominic
Proposed: Mark Jarvis Proposed: Matthew West Gordon Baird
First multihull on elapsed time under 50 feet in Fastnet Race. Edmond De Rothchild Seconded: Simon Baker Seconded: Matt Baker Proposed: Jeff Speller
Musters Trophy
Franck Cammas
Approved by acclamation. Approved by acclamation. Seconded: Harvey Bowden
Offshore season’s point trophy. Or Offshore Ross Hobson Approved by acclamation.
Kriter Trophy
Endeavour and Persistance Buzz
4. Matters Arising 12. Executive Committee Resolutions
Inshore Trophies There were none. (See Officers’ Reports file) 15. Any Other Business
Phoenix Trophy Simon Baker There were none. Matthew West gave notice that he would
Inshore series points trophy.
(Graham Hutchings) Hissy Fit 5. To receive the Commodores Report be standing down as Hon. Sec. at the
Nigel Talbot (See Officers’ Reports file) 13. Members Resolutions 2021 AGM, unless overtaken by events or
Samuelson Trophy Winner of the Bembridge regatta, Samuelson Trophy
Nitric Proposed: Roderick Walker There were none. a replacement was found before then.
Matt Baker Seconded: Simon Forbes
Formula 26 Trophy Best Boat under 26’ at the nationals
Wombat 14. Election of Commodore and The Hon Sec is responsible for the day to
Approved by acclamation.
Dominic Gooding Executive Committee day administration of MOCRA. He noted
City of Plymouth Trophy Best Newcomer at the Nationals
Belladonna The constitution states: “Nominations that the main requirement for an Hon Sec
6. To receive the Treasurer’s Report
Rupert Kidd (See Officers’ Reports file) for officers and committee members was to be well organized. He encouraged
Diana Campbell Rose Bowl Low Ratings winner at the nationals Under 1.200 TCF
Senuos shall be made in writing at least fourteen members to consider volunteering for this
Proposed: Jeff Speller
Trophy Brian Cooke Matt Baker Seconded: Mark Jarvis days before any Annual General Meeting pivotal role.
2nd place at the Nationals
Memorial Trophy Wombat except that additional nominations may
Approved by acclamation.
Simon Baker
Commodores Cup National Champion
Hissy Fit
pg
6 pg
7
MOCRA 2018 Review Contents MOCRA 2018 Review Contents
Multihull Offshore Cruising and Multihull Offshore Cruising and
Racing Association Racing Association
Balance Sheet
Income and Expenditure Account as at 31 December 2018
[note: 2017 is as 31 December and 2016 is as at 31 August]
for the year ended 31 December 2018 2018 2017 2016
[note: 2017 is for 16 months and 2016 is for 12 months ended £ £ £
August]
Note
2018 2017 2016
Fixed Assets
£ £ £
Cost 337 337 337
Note
less Depreciation 336 336 336
Income
3 1 1 1
Subscriptions 5,134 5,332 5,126
Advertising 1 0 0 1,045
Current Assets
Racing Ratings 2,096 1,842 950
Sundry debtors 60 0 0
Cash at bank 11,499 11,326 11,128
7,230 7,174 7,121
11,559 11,326 11,128
Expenditure
Current Liabilities
Newsletter and Yearbook 2,467 2,572 4,545
Accrued expenses and creditors 837 390 180
Calendar 2,914 1,546 2,600
Racing 118 179 0
Administrative expenses 109 331 0 10,722 10,936 10,948
Website 674 64 143
RYA and other subscriptions 200 200 195 £ 10,723 £ 10,937 £ 10,949
Audit and accountancy 210 210 180
AGM / Dinner 2 313 1,652 224
Insurance 439 432 395 Accumulated Fund
Balance as at 1 January 2018 10,937 10,949 12,110
7,444 7,186 8,282 (Deficit) / Surplus for the year (214) (12) (1,161)
Net (Deficit) / Surplus of Income £ (214) £ (12) £ (1,161) £ 10,723 £ 10,937 £ 10,949
Tim Wilson
Notes Honorary Treasurer
1. Advertising Income Auditor's Report
Due to the lack of volunteers, to help generate advertising income, the The Income and Expenditure Account for the 12 months ended 31 December 2018, and
income for the year is £ Zero. the Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2018, reasonably reflect the position of the
Multihull Cruising and Racing Association, as presented by those records made available
2. AGM / Dinner to me, and in conjunction with the explanations and assurances made by various officers
There were two AGM / Dinners in the 2017 period of 16 months and this, of MOCRA. The scope of my audit must be limited by the very nature of MOCRA, which
together with the cost of the services of speakers, has resulted in increased in common with many similar organisations, cannot operate the detailed financial
expenditure. controls which should be expected of a sophisticated business.
3. Fixed Assets Barry JY Lomas FCA - Auditor 12 October 2019
The load cell was written down to a nominal £1 in 2000.
Page 1 of 2 Page 2 of 2
pg
8 pg
9
Race Report -
MOCRA 2018 Review Contents MOCRA 2018 Review Contents
Scottish Islands Peaks Race 2019
The beauty of the Scottish
Peaks Race is the majesty of
the wilderness experience. The
3 stops are in remote locations
and the runs consist largely of
machair, boulders or scree, unlike
the pontoon landfalls and well-
trodden paths of other similar
races. The race has several
objectives: one is to encourage
sailors to appreciate fell running,
for runners to appreciate sailing
and for both to enjoy what must
be some of the best sailing and
hill running in the world; but the
main objective is to provide a
challenging experience to sailors
and runners who may be too
busy to devote weeks to sailing
the Atlantic or trekking in Tibet
but who still relish overcoming a
challenge which is well beyond
those normally encountered in
our modern well insulated lives.
The race is for teams of hill runners and
sailors over a long weekend around
the beautiful West Coast of Scotland.
The sailing course of 160 nautical miles
includes the strong tides and overfalls
of the CorrieBhraeachan and the Mull of
Kintyre whilst the runners cover 60 miles
and 11,500 ft of climbing. More if they get
lost.
When Bruce Sutherland (Bare Necessities
- Dazcat) said he was coming up to
“do battle” I felt maybe I was missing
something. I couldn’t have hoped for a
better demonstration of what the race
means when, while neck and neck, racing another new and extraordinary day. We endurance experience. Maximum wind Alan Rankin, a previous winner not only often gaining a tide or gaining places Arcona 430, the fastest boat in the fleet
furiously (at anchor) in Lamlash, we stood were first and second multihulls with Jim forecast of 5 knots were very much in overall but in the punishing all-rounders while at anchor. Or alternatively creating a in these conditions. These 3 led out of
on our foredecks quietly chatting while Smith in Angels Share a Lagoon 45, a the runners favour but would punish the class where each crew member has to stupendous lead which is then abolished Oban Bay into very light winds. This first
admiring an otter frolicking in the early relatively short way behind. sailors with long sailing times, rowing do a mountain section was a key player. by tidal gates. But light winds favour leg depends on local tidal knowledge, and
morning light. It had been a difficult night fatigue and short rest periods from fast He also owns a beautiful F27 tri. I was the yachts with good runners. in light airs luck with the winds; this latter
rowing 10 or 15 miles but Tri Mhor had favours the following fleet. Requiem took
A couple of weeks before the race, Joe runs. The forecast proved accurate! weakest link, but at least brought the crew
the lead at Lismore with a big southerly
handed our runners ashore the benefit Symonds, a first-class national fell runner years of SIPR experience to around 60. Es and Richard got the Slipway Trophy for hook in good tide, while Bare Necessities
of a rested night, at the expense of a and a crew member previously pulled A combination of lack of wind and an the fastest 10k run at Oban, but the use leaving in the top half of the fleet soon
good rowing performance. We were in out of our team, leaving Es Tresidder to unproven runner increased our scepticism Such a forecast means that sailing times of a kayak meant Clockwork, a wily and made places and gaining from the north
their hands. I felt no sense of personal eventually find Richard McLeod, a young about once again winning. My son Iain become less relevant, with tidal gates and experienced First 40 were ahead at the going tide like Requiem. Requiem soon
adversity, and I hope neither did Bruce. runner a relative unknown quantity in the was skipper: he has an enviable record local winds affecting the sailing times: Oban channel and both were nip and tuck got into wind leaving the rest languishing
It was a sublime moment in the dawn of context of this race having no ultra-long of winning with several trips as skipper. running times becoming more important, with the other front runner Requiem, an in a hole and starting to row.
pg
10 pg
11
Scottish Island Peaks Race 2019 Scottish Island Peaks Race 2019
Necessities over 2 hours behind, a lack of
mountain runner experience, particularly
navigation in the featureless terrain being
a big handicap. Meantime Angel’s Share
plugged away, with decisions such as
when to take a shower, or a warmup jog
round the decks, or perhaps trying to find
where the snooker table had been hidden
- all between roast dinners!! But they
maintained surprising speed in the light
conditions.
Going down the Kintyre coast the leading
pack included Superstition and Requiem,
but Clockwork led until at last a breeze
favoured Tri Mhor who eventually took
Requiem had a lead of over a mile coming Our lead kept improving, being 7 miles the lead, with Bare Necessities in good
towards the first drop, Salen on Mull. With ahead of the bunched fleet and clearly shape at the Mull of Kintyre. At dusk, 10
Requiem well up the hill, Tri Mhor arrived leading Clockwork when we passed miles short of the south East of Arran,
in 5th place but only 5 minutes behind Easdale. But the sting is the 7kt tide the wind absolutely disappeared, a 6 mile
Clockwork and two others. Clockwork is at Fladda, the entrance to the Sound row to Lamlash allowed Bare necessities
the Auld Enemy for us and again became of Luing. Meantime Bare Necessities to storm back into contention with 7kts
the one to beat! Running is the key to and Angels Share left close together of wind power beating Tri Mhor’s 2kt
success in light weather and within 30 2 hours behind in 18th and 20th place sliding seats. At this point 4 boats seems
seconds, Es and Richard overtook Bequia respectively. in contention while Bequia an X412, had
into 4th place and with a running time of fallen 10 miles behind. Clockwork rowed
3h 52 gained 8 minutes on Clockwork. But this is a cruel race, not battling fellow past runners taking shifts. Tri Mhor has
Back in the lead we left Requiem in the competitors rather accepting the weather never asked runners to row and stayed just after midnight and the rowing began the Bens in sight and a first place overall; a screecher reach into Troon harbour
chasing pack, nearly an hour behind. and tides are in control, especially when in marathon not sprint mode. Bequia and in earnest. We knew that our runners they were fresher than Clockwork whose arriving just before midday. Dropping
The bad news was that Richard had there is little wind. At 2 am, human’s Bare necessities soon hit the calm spots were the quickest; that Clockwork was runners had been rowing in shifts and Iain and Richard off, Alan and I looked
been suffering on the run and was a bit physiological and emotional using runners to row, and that we could would be tired on their third mountain. back in amazement. Bequia arrived under
demoralised. Good weather allowed nadir, we arrived at Fladda guarantee a good hill run but the tide or While Bruce was now only 29 minutes spinnaker through the harbour entrance,
sailors to provide runners a good feed, with Clockwork taking less wind could easily destroy any rowing lead behind, a great achievement, however with Requiem in hot pursuit. Bequia
rehydration and rest: more importantly we tide but more miles outside that we might gain. So, Iain the skipper you analyse the vagaries of wind and had some problems with the drop and
emphasised the enormous benefit of the Scarba. By 3 am Clockwork and Alan rowed all the way to Lamlash, tide, sadly his runners wouldn’t equal the Requiem passed in the inner harbour,
turned East into the and Clockwork pulled ahead but at the boat’s overall potential in the race - but dropping the dinghy for the marina.
infamous CorrieBhraeachan expense (we hoped) of some running it was their first race too and they were
with 9kt tides whirlpools time as Es and Richard slept soundly until certainly doing a great job despite the Bequia then pulled neck and neck with
and standing waves, while disturbed by cursing from the crew as inexperience. The Goat Fell run was half the paddling finishers and the 2 dinghies
Tri Mhor got stuck and was Beqia stormed past at 4 knots, using 2 an hour less than Es’s record of 2h45 for (dare I say it) battled for the first monohull.
passed by 3 boats. At first oars and their paddle - a secret weapon. the 18 miles of running and 4,000 feet of Even on the pontoons, a wrong turn could
light Clockwork popped out They sounded like steamboat Willie as ascent but a clever sailing pickup was have made the difference. After just under
of the tide North of Jura a they passed doing 4 knots at times. It enough to leave Tri Mhor in the lead, neck 2 days, Tri Mhor arrived 2m 10s ahead of
couple of miles in the lead. was an absolutely surreal experience and and neck with Clockwork, rowing out of Requiem and Bequia 22s behind them.
The tide had allowed Bare quite unforgettable, if frustrating! Not to Lamlash less than 50m apart. The wind Bare Necessities arrived at 15.28.47 an
Necessities to make up mention a porpoise blowing off within feet lottery (and steamboat Willie as Beqia overall time of 41h27.50 and Angels Share
distance and soon passed of the boat in the eerie silence. was now known) all had a possibility 21.47.07 a respectable 47h47.07.
Tri Mhor to enter Craighouse, of winning. At last at 0820 on the 2nd
Jura but within yards of each Once again Tri Mhor encountered a hole day Clockwork got stuck, Tri Mhor went Celebrations were as usual rather
other, a testament not only in light airs and was passed by a very clearly into the lead. We had had the subdued due to fatigue but well deserved
to Bruce’s sailing skills but slippery Arcona 435, a paddled X-yacht. same bad luck against Clockwork the for all the competitors.
the power and influence Tri Mhor had 27 minutes to make up on year before outside Jura and we lost half
of the various west coast the run against Clockwork. Es already an hour, so we had sympathy. Tri Mhor Gordon Baird
tides, affirmed by the fact has the record for Arran; Richard was took the safe rhumb line course, partly on
that the first 10 boats arrived now realising that they had the Kings of principle and partly on the basis of staying
within 22 minutes. The race South of the other boats because of tide
was on, and how!! A new and the southerly forecast. Once again
start! Who needs handicaps Requiem threatened but went North, with
when nature makes the Bequia between and Clockwork falling
decisions! Es and Richard back. Then at 9.30 Requiem again took
had made good recovery the lead, Bequia and Tri Mhor considered
and set off with the ambition a boarding party so close were they.
of leading us out of Jura. Clockwork still threatened from close
run and the potential that the pressure This was not to be as the behind. By 11 am Bequia and TriMhor
could be less on Jura, by far the toughest 2 minutes gained on the were neck and neck with Requiem’s
run. Morale and confidence were restored run were insufficient to get northerly flier failing to pay off as they
when we reminded Es that Joe got him in us ahead - so Tri Mhor set fell back to third place. By 11 am Tri
the same state on a previous winning run! off in pursuit, with Bare Mhor took the lead for the last time, with
12
pg 13
pg
MOCRA 2018 Review
Race Report - Contents The Royal Western Triangle Race
The Royal Western Triangle Race After what seemed like far too long we
gybed back towards the Cornish coast.
Even lighter wind… The start was delayed
until a breath turned up and got us all
caught a breath just to the south and east
of the harbour entrance. The race was on.
Plymouth-Falmouth-Fowey
As we converged we were thankful to moving, just! We ended up towards the We fought in the light air upwind for the
start seeing the sails of the leading boats back of the fleet after the start, a scenario first 5 or 10 miles then the wind became
in the fleet (The Edge out in front). Once we were to become accustomed to. We more constant and shifted South allowing
more lots were drawn: would we cross in had a choice to go upwind with Jib and us to break out the MH Screecher once
Overheard on the VHF, Prickly Pair) and we also had some die- inaugural race to get the screecher out. front of him or behind, eating his dust? It Main or reach off with the MH screecher again. And once again we picked our
hard veteran involvement in the form of A lucky mishap at the start (we hadn’t was our lucky day. We came screaming in again, going further South before gybing way through the fleet on the approach
two members of the race
Rupert Kidd on the inimitable Suenos and labeled the ¾ and Masthead screecher at 18 knots and found ourselves a couple for the mark at Fowey. We chose the to Rame Head and Plymouth Sound. By
committee:
the outright victor, Mr Peter Lilleywhite bags, so mistakenly hoisted the MH when of miles ahead of Chris and The Edge. latter, well why not it worked last time. the time we reached Rame Head (having
aboard his intrepid cat Adonnante. (note: we intended to hoist the much smaller A couple of gybes later and we were (LOL)! As we ghosted away at 6 knots stayed close inshore this time and in
Man 1: “that tri is clocking up Adonnante and Prickly Pair are Eric ¾) meant that we were soon cracking approaching the Manacles… very slowly. we saw the rest of the multi fleet, lead by favourable tide) we were at the head of
some impressive speeds out Lerouge sisterships – they’ve still got along in the teens while yours truly kept the invincible Wombat with Matt Baker at the fleet.
there” what it takes). an eagle eye on the mast which was As predicted the wind had dropped the helm head off in the correct direction,
bending alarmingly in the gusts above the dramatically and we ghosted around the whilst to our dismay the distance between Gybing in to the Sound we made our way
Man 2: “yeah sure but those What’s not to like? hounds….we chose to go way off course buoy arguing about whether we really us and them widened considerably. slowly over the line to a 3rd line honours
things don’t go to windward” This year looked to be a bit of a damp and offshore, taking a Southerly route needed a downwind ghosting assy for win, followed by The Edge, Wombat
squib…the organisers and participants while the rest of the fleet pulled out their just this kind of situation… a prophetic So we gybed. and Hissy Fit in a rerun of Race 2. The
were faced with 3 days of light or no wind. spinnakers and kept closer to the rhumb moment! As it turned out the rest of the handicap results told quite a different
Man 1: “actually, I owned a Cancellations were predicted. In the event line. Our main competition in the fleet, The season (apart of seeing 30+ knots in the By now we were the back markers, the story, as they had in the previous leg!
catamaran which went really well the wind surpassed all expectations, Edge, kept in line with the rest and we Irish Sea en route to the Fastnet) we were rest of the faster boats having crept along
upwind!…..” and although it wasn’t exactly blowing a saw them disappearing into the distance dogged with DDW light air situations the coast making best use of a favourable Congratulations to Matt on Wombat and
We laughed out loud. hooley, we had steady light airs for most as we reached offshore …. the mood which frequently occurred towards the inshore tidal flow. Then the wind gods Peter on Adonnante, you both sailed
of the course, enough to get the multis onboard was apprehensive: having never
end of our races where we saw our leads breathed and we started moving again… faultlessly over the a long and light 3 days
The RWYC Triangle race is the best going for sure and at times pushing along raced before we knew precious little about
decimated as the Spinnakers came out one by one we crept up and over the lead
race in the calendar. It’s the first race at a cracking rate! The social events finding our optimum VMG and since we
and the rest of the fleet sailed past us one boats until somewhere close to the Fowey My thanks to
I ever took part in (in 2004) and being in Falmouth and Fowey lived up to didn’t have a spinnaker anyway, we felt we
by one. However, once around the buoy harbor entrance we just about stole in My crew: Orion Shuttleworth (the boat’s
the 1st race of the season makes it the previous expectations with Isa Malo and didn’t have much choice in the matter. We
and with the boat generating apparent (goose-winging to negotiate our way up designer), David Hawkins and Sam
perfect shake down event. It has it all, the Suenos crew putting on a part y to took a big leg out into the Channel. Soon
wind we were able to comfortably tack to the Fowey finish line between the rocks Curtis. Simon Baker, Multimarine and
breathtaking vistas, close racing and a remember in Falmouth. Thank you! there were no sails in sight – but we were
up to Black Rock. We came alongside at sub 5 knot speeds). We were closely Andy Fox for some very last minute
hectic social calendar! I love the fact that heading far far South and some of the
Race 1 crew worried that we would hit the French at Pendennis and tied up in the early followed by The Edge, Wombat, and repairs to the rig just prior to the race.
it appeals to the racers and cruisers alike.
This year two families took part complete (Plmouth to Falmouth, about 40 miles) coast while the rest of the fleet sailed afternoon. Hissy Fit. Alas the handicap win slipped Matt Theobald and Brendan Sewell and
with young children (Willam Lee and Co. We had a downwind, light airs start gently up to the mouth of the Fal. from our fingers this time! Jaime Ward for delivering Morpheus
on Twister and Jon and Aiofe Nichols on but enough wind for Morpheus on her The Edge came alongside shortly safely on the 400 mile trip from Essex.
thereafter, followed by the bigger Dazcats Race 3 Dave Barden and Allspars Plymouth for
and the rest of the fleet. (Falmouth back to Plymouth) further help with the rig.
As if it were even possible to have a
1st race for the boat, line honours and lighter wind start than in Race 2, the wind Finally, a big thank you to Chris Briggs
a handicap win. Sadly, not the shape of at the start of the Fowey-Plymouth leg for all his support, words of multihull
things to come, sigh. was non existent. Compounded by the wisdom, and for frequently putting me
start taking place directly in the lee of the and the crew/family up at his house
Race 2 Cornish hills….so we all spent an hour throughout the season! Author: Andrew
(Falmouth to Fowey, about 20 miles) floundering around in nothing until we Fennel - Morpheus
pg
14 pg
15
MOCRA – Burnham racing report 2019 MOCRA – Burnham racing report 2019
The East Coast MOCRA fleet ran Whitsun Bank Holiday August weekend
5 boats were on the start line, we were (Burnham Week)
two regattas in 2019, Whitsun
hoping for 6 but John Galloway’s F27 Entered boats were Simon Barnes
and Burnham Week(end) – Bank pulled out just before the event. Entered (Persuasion) DF28 Performance, Nick
Holiday in August Simon Barnes boats were Simon Barnes (Persuasion) Wood (Origami) F27, Nigel Stevens
(Persuasion) and Nick Wood DF28 Performance, Nick Wood (Origami) (Triassic) F27, David Vinten/Ken Whyte
F27, Nigel Stevens (Triassic) F27, David (Grey Goose) F32AX, John Galloway
(Origami) have been working Vinten/Ken Whyte (Grey Goose) F32AX, (Threedom) F27. The weekend was to be
hard trying to attract multihulls Julian Linton (NRB) F32SRC. Three races sailed in light winds and again Multihulls
to Burnham and is really starting were sailed in great conditions… sun and were the first to start in a building number
wind. Multihulls were the first fleet to start of fleets for this event.
to get some traction. Burnham meaning we can use the Roach on the
offers a great place to sail and way out of the river to add another leg
the race committee have been into our course before any other fleets
get there. The first start was our very first
very happy to arrange committee general recall as a 20 knot gust came
boat starts and allowing us to be through 20 seconds before the start
involved with course setting each putting 3 out of 5 boats over the line and
would have made for a spectacular photo!
day meaning we have had some Once we were off it wasn’t long before we
really fantastic courses which are were on our first reach where we got to
always followed by a great social see the fantastic NRB stretch her legs
clocking some really fantastic speeds in
at the Royal Burnham Yacht fact all boats reported seeing speeds in
Club…Please come and see for excess of 18 knots which was great. The river was
yourselves, all are welcome. really busy
Unfortunately for NRB they sailed a lot with RBOD’s,
further than everyone else having gone RCOD’s, Squibs,
around an incorrect mark leaving Grey Dragons, Elite’s,
Goose and Persuasion to expand the gap Class 1 to 5
between the F27’s but alas it wasn’t to be keel boats
with Origami taking First place, Triassic and numerous
second and Persuasion 3rd on corrected NRB had to retire due to gear failure but dinghy fleets. We
time. the results were the same with Origami, arranged some
Triassic and Grey Goose at the front on really interesting
Race 2 saw similar conditions and another corrected time which was mirrored in the courses over
great course. Unfortunately, Persuasion final third race. the weekend
lost their mast 10 seconds after the start ranging between 20-26 nm each day
when the forestay broke putting them out Overall winner was Origami with three giving everyone lots to think about. The
of the rest of the regatta. The remaining firsts, Triassic with three seconds and F27’s seeing some really close racing with
boats had another close exciting race but Grey Goose with a fourth and two thirds. Origami and Triassic swapping positions
regularly. We had a long sail back to the
finish, sailing the downwind angles with
Origami first again, Persuasion second
and Triassic third on corrected time.
Saturday evening was our MOCRA rum
punch party where we had a fantastic
turn out of people from various classes
and we certainly warmed everyone up for
a night of dancing to a band in the club
and a great time was had by all. (Thank
you MOCRA!) Needless to say there were
a few sore heads for our second race
on Sunday sailed again in lovely sunny
conditions seeing the 3 F27’s finishing
first to third on corrected time which
was the same story on Monday albeit a
different winner, Threedom.
Overall winner was Origami with two
firsts and a second, Threedom with a
fourth, second and a first and Triassic
with three thirds.
Simon Barnes - Persuasion
pg
16 pg
17
MOCRA
Race 2018 Review
Report - Contents Round The Island Race 2019
Round The Island Race 2019 information coming at him. Our crew was
far from anything that could be described
as a ‘pro-crew’ and was made up of
friends of Simon and work colleagues;
Steve Matthews, a sailing friend from
It was not long after our race had suddenly catch a lift and start gliding might be coming from (or hole), what the
off while you remained stationary. Many tide and other boats are doing and so Simon’s early days as a Cherub racer.
finished, at some point during the
retired as a result of one wind hole too on. Simon, at the wheel, was primarily
second or third beer on board many... looking at the wind and sails while Robin They’d lost touch but fairly recently
Hissy Fit - D1495, this year’s was clearly focused on the tides. These reconnected and Steve has now been
Round the Island Race’s 1st On board Hissy Fit we felt lucky as we two strong perspectives generated a lot sailing on Hissy Fit maybe four or five
only fell into four significant holes, the of tactical discussions, usually with more times, though this was his first RTI. Robin
Multihull overall and in MOCRA, Russell and Richard Bickford, also friends,
last being perhaps the worst when we input from other crew as well while Simon
winner of The Trifle Trophy and sail fairly regularly on board and were
found ourselves going backwards just a processed all the info, sometimes calling
Golden Miler Challenge Cup. few hundred metres from the finish line! the change and sometimes following part of the winning team at the recent
We were discussing the strong I pointed out that although there was someone else’s call. MOCRA Nationals, as was Brendan
Seaward project manager at Multimarine,
element of luck involved. It had without doubt luck involved the thing
that struck me most on Hissy Fit was Simon, apart from very brief breaks, also with us on the RTI. Brendan had
been a particularly tough and taken on Hissy Fit as skipper for the
the non-stop discussion that took place. had remained on the helm for the entire
long race with winds varying Simon looked at me in some surprise and race which for us was a grand total of first time just the previous weekend in
from 20 knot gusts to 0. said simply “I demand input”. The more 11h:25min:13secs. That’s not necessarily the Yealm – Trebeurden race but for
I thought about this the more I realised because he wanted to, but because we the RTI was key foredeck crew, being
After a reasonably breezy start boats soon how very true it was. Throughout the all politely declined his offer for someone the youngest on board by some many
started falling into massive wind holes race everybody on board is expected to else to take the helm. We all recognised years, was pretty much all about. Finally
and tidal streams. These seemed to be contribute to the on-going conversation, that the challenging conditions required myself, Oriel Butcher, (aka Dazcat Media)
randomly distributed in little micro-sys- offering their opinions on when to put in his skill, familiarity with the boat and there primarily to record events but also
tems so the boat right next to you might a tack or gybe, where the next pressure ability to process the constant stream of expected to take part in the sailing of the
boat.
Although the crew worked incredibly
hard Hissy Fit provided a superbly
comfortable ride. We lost count of how
many tacks and gybes were put in, how
many sail changes, sometimes one
almost immediately following another,
and then another… but in between each
the crew were kept constantly supplied
with sweet and savoury snacks, water,
cups of tea or coffee. Obviously, the day
had also started first with bowls of cereal
for the early 6.30 departure from our
berth at the Folly ready for a 7.40 start,
shortly followed by sausage and bacon
sandwiches to set us up for the day. My
pg
18 pg
19Round The Island Race 2019 Cowes Week
knots, Simon had a last-minute change of 2019 was something of a As mentioned above, the first Saturday Nicholls on his Dragonfly 800 (Alderney
plan. He had enlisted a friend and owner landmark year for MOCRA of Cowes Week brought 30-40kt winds Race) split the Diams finishing 4th and 7th
of trimaran The Edge, Chris Briggs, to in the Solent and wisely all racing respectively on corrected time showing
multihulls and Cowes Week. was cancelled for White Group boats. that the MOCRA rating does work on
help him to sail her up on Tuesday night
After being absent for four years, Sunday’s forecast looked similar and the vastly different boats.
instead. This gave Brendan, myself and
Richard extra time at work but also left
multihulls were once again race committee reluctantly cancelled our
us with the question of how to get to the invited to participate in the full racing for that day too. The Sail GP F50’s The second race on Tuesday was held
Cowes week programme. We also had their Cowes racing cancelled in much more welcome conditions of a
boat. Luckily, Andy Sinclair of Highwater
should thank Laurence Mead on the Saturday but would be racing off fresh SW 14-18kts. The fleet got away
Sails, one of our suppliers, was driving first time with a 1 mile beat into a stiff
Cowes Green on the Sunday so a number
up Friday lunchtime to join another boat (Cowes Week Race director) of MOCRA crews took the opportunity to breeze towards the mainland shore.
so we were able to Hitch a ride with him. for this. Laurence is a strong enjoy the social life of Cowes and to Sofia 3 and Buzz Fluid Boat Services
Unluckily we hit what felt like the world’s supporter of MOCRA and was watch the professionals in the spectacular rounded together followed by ADH
biggest traffic jam and it was five and a most accommodating to provide F50’s. Four of the Diam24od teams Innotec and Piers Hugh Smith sailing
half hours later when we finally arrived at the sort of courses and racing we however felt that some heavy weather Raygun Racing. The next leg was both
the Hamble. From here Robin picked us practise was in order and with one reef a sailing and a navigational challenge in
asked for. In order to encourage and a support RIB had a blast up and a full-on downwind blast at 18-20+kts.
up in his rib and we had a joyride at super
high speed over to the Island then up to
participation in our first year down the Solent. A particular highlight Less familiar with the Solent, team Sophia
the Folly where we quickly decamped to back, our Executive Committee was to demonstrate to the assembling 3 headed too high as did ADH Innotec
the pub for dinner. It was a real pleasure proposed that as a class we F50 spectators how well these 24ft allowing Buzz and Raygun Racing to
to meet up with the crew of Dazcat 1295 should enter for just the first four trimarans perform in breeze and sailed up slip into first and second rounding the
Slinky Malinki, permanently based at the days of the regatta. This would the F50 course in close formation to much leeward buoy before the next windward
applause and respect. On their return to leg. A number of upwind downwind legs
Folly and also racing. Sadly for them, they keep costs down and use just Hamble Point the teams also had a great followed, each of several miles, spanning
fell into one of the unlucky wind holes and two days of annual holiday. view of the F50’s on their way out to the the Solent from East Lepe to Browndown
found themselves frustrated at their result race track. and after a couple of hours an exhausted
media duties prevent me from putting my Eleven hours is a pretty long time to of sixth place, though this is still pretty Good in theory but sadly not so good but exhilarated fleet finished off Cowes.
concentrated focus into the sailing and maintain that level of concentration and good out of 12 finishers in MOCRA… in practice – the opening weekend The first MOCRA race got underway on Buzz Fluid Boat Systems held on to win,
as an ex yacht chef I’m comfortable filling physical activity. By 11.30 pm we’d put was cancelled due to extreme Monday in very light and shifty conditions. followed by ADH Innotec in second and
the quieter moments with making sure the the boat away, had a beer on board, gone Originally the plan had been to sail Hissy weather conditions and so our Cowes The visiting French Diam team of Hugo Sophia 3 third.
Fit back to Plymouth after the race but the week became just a two-day event. Vallerie, Hugo Lotin and Louis Fournier on
crew are well watered and fed, Simon is ashore for more drinks and a delicious
forecast was on the nose and Simon and Nonetheless it’s fair to say that it was a Sofia 3 showed the rest of the fleet how After the two races (and no discard) the
good at getting the right supplies in. On curry and were back on board ready for
Brendan had work commitments early on great two days racing and in the end the to sail in such conditions and ghosted first three boats all tied on 4 points. On
this blisteringly hot day it felt essential, so our bunks, young Brendan in particular results couldn’t have been closer.
after the double breakfast we enjoyed a totally broken by the day’s exertions. Monday. We would be taking part in the away upwind flying their asymmetric count back Buzz and Sophia both had
RORC Cowes – Dinard/ St. Malo race in gennaker. Phil Cotton, Paul Wakelin and one 1st and one 3rd but since Buzz
stream of ham hock and cheddar twirls, Although the whole team had put their It was somewhat disappointing that we
just under two-weeks time and needed to Matt Currell on Buzz Fluid Boat Systems had their 1st in the last race the Cowes
beetroot and feta pastries, camembert 100% in, he had definitely done the bulk had only two “pure” MOCRA boats enter
be back up here for that… So, after much sniffed out some breeze and followed Week Overall Multihull title went to Buzz.
crackers, millionaires shortcake, of the heavy physical work. – Sam Nicholls with Alderney Race and the French, closely pursued by Will and Particular mention should go to Will
chocolate biscuits, pitta bread stuffed discussion the decision was made to take Jonathan Hill with Tribu. The numbers Hugo Sunnocks and Mark Self on the Sunnocks and his team on ADH Innotec
with salad, ham, cheese & salt ‘n vinegar No alarms were set and we went to bed the boat back over to the mainland after were swelled by the inclusion of seven chartered works boat, ADH Innotec. who sailed most impressively. This team
crisps (!), guacamole crackers…and so with a new plan hatching for our journey the prizegiving and leave her there. Robin Diam24 od’s which qualify under the These positions held up to the first mark stepped on a chartered Diam24od for
it went on, and on… it was of course home. Racing logistics isn’t just about very kindly lent us his car, we enjoyed a MOCRA “day-boat category” giving us a and almost to the finish until Will and the first time on the Friday before Cowes
also necessary to empty the fridge early the race itself. There are numerous other smooth ride home and Robin got his car respectable fleet of nine overall. Results his team found some fresher breeze out Week. A day’s coaching with Paul Wakelin
in order to make room for the case of considerations. Plans had been made back 10 days later! A real team effort had were calculated for all nine boats under of the tide and slipped past Buzz Fluid and they ended up with two seconds and
beer. A rare direct order from the skipper initially for all the crew to sail Hissy Fit up to go into every aspect of being able to the MOCRA rule together with a separate Boat Services to take second place by on equal points with the overall winning
shortly after the start – make sure the beer to Cowes ready for the start on Thursday take part in this race. set of results for the DIAM 24od as a a boat length. Interestingly Jonathan boat.
will be cold for the finish, get it in there night. However, as the forecast looked stand-alone class. Hill on his Dragonfly 32 (Tribu) and Sam Phil Cotton - Buzz
now (there was still a good bit of breeze worse and worse, with winds up to 50 Oriel Butcher - Hissy Fit
around at that point)!
In the quieter moments all the crew
enjoyed the spectacle of the 1300 boats
against the spectacular backdrop of
stunning blue skies and the Island’s
famous geographical features. Almost all
the fleet were behind us (too far behind
to catch any really great photos of them
all) but some of the other faster boats
criss-crossing our path and little match
races going on between us. Those of us
who were free to do so would take some
brief moments to relax on the net or
deck to take it all in. Between the tactical
discussions conversation occasionally
flitted to talking about the other boats,
especially multihulls of course; their
innovations or design features of interest,
strengths and weaknesses in the
conditions and so on. There was also a
certain amount of banter and joking but
this was more limited and mostly the
attention stayed in race focus.
pg
20 pg
21You can also read
